WELDERS PROVE A BIG DRAW

THE most notable event of the Championship weekend saw H&W Welders play their first game in their new Blanchflower Stadium.

Gary Smyth’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Knockbreda in an East Belfast derby (above), with the visitor’s Anto Burns getting the first goal in the new ground after just five minutes.

The Welders – who have left their long-standing Tillysburn Park home – equalised midway through the first half through Alan Mcmurty with the game ending with the spoils shared.

Ards remain two points clear following a 2-0 win over basement club Queen’s University at Clandeboye Park.

Eamon Scannell scored both the goals for John Bailie’s side, with Adam Calvert dismissed for the Students not long after the break.

Newry City remain within two points of top spot as they came from behind to win 2-1 against Institute at the Ryan Mcbride Brandywell stadium.

Brendan Mclaughlin opened the scoring for Stute in the ninth minute but Stephen Lawless levelled for the visitors just before the break and James Teelan netted the winner on the hour mark.

Arguably the result of the weekend came in Mid Ulster, with Ballyclare’s 4-1 victory at Annagh United opening up a six-point gap between the top three and the rest.

Liam Hassin and Andrew Mooney both netted for the Comrades within the opening 15 minutes, although an own goal from Ashton Mcdermott brought the hosts back into contention.

Paul Harbinson’s side wrapped up the points in the second half with goals from Ian Fletcher and Ciaran Heggarty putting the result beyond doubt.

Dergview secured an impressive victory at home to Loughgall to end their run of three straight league defeats; Benny Igiehon’s goal in first-half stoppage time was enough to secure the win for Tommy Canning’s side.

Ballinamallard United secured their first win of the month but had to come from a goal down at Dundela after Owain Beggs had given the hosts the lead.

Joshua Mcilwaine levelled for the Mallards midway through the half before late goals from Reece Byrne and Mcilwaine swung the result the way of Harry Mcconkey’s side in the second period.