The Championship season got underway with plenty of talking points, including a major shock at Mourneview Park and an impressive start for Newington.
Strabane Athletic 0-1 Institute (Friday)
Institute began the season with a narrow North-West derby victory at the Limavady Showgrounds.
Padraig Lynch’s 12th-minute goal proved decisive as Peter Hutton’s side held on for three points.
Armagh City 1-1 Queen’s University
Armagh City looked set for victory after taking the lead shortly before half-time and then seeing a second-half penalty saved by Neil Shields.
However, Dan Mairs struck in the 94th minute to rescue a point for Queen’s University.
Ballinamallard United 0-1 Newry City
Newry City made a winning return to the Championship thanks to Aaron Donnelly’s 77th-minute goal.
Stuart King’s side held on to secure all three points on their return to the second tier.
Dundela 2-2 Moyola Park
An entertaining contest at Wilgar Park ended all square.
Kenzie Beattie gave Dundela the lead before Callum McCay and Josh Carson turned the game around with two quick goals early in the second half.
Oisin Barr levelled for the Duns with just under 15 minutes remaining.
Glenavon 1-3 Ards
Ards produced the shock result of the opening weekend with an impressive victory at promotion favourites Glenavon.
Goals from Connor Maxwell, Eamon Scannell and Jamie Browne put the visitors in control before Ryan Waide grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.
H&W Welders 3-0 Warrenpoint Town
The Welders made a convincing start with a comfortable victory over Warrenpoint Town.
Ewan McCoubrey, Josh Kee and Jack Reilly all found the net as Paul Kee’s side collected three points without conceding.
Newington 4-1 Annagh United
Newington made an emphatic return to North Belfast with a big win over Annagh United.
Jay Donnelly stole the show with a hat-trick, while Cliftonville loanee Aidan Kelly also scored. Annagh’s afternoon was made worse when Jack Henderson was sent off in the second half.
It was an excellent opening result for Declan O’Hara.
Rathfriland Rangers 1-3 Loughgall
Rathfriland looked on course for a dream start after Stephen Teggart put them ahead after 20 minutes.
However, an own goal from Teggart levelled the game before Kirk McLaughlin converted from the penalty spot and Ben Murdock struck shortly afterwards to complete a remarkable turnaround for Loughgall.
