Another weekend of drama in the Championship saw statement wins, shock results and plenty of goals across the division.
Dundela produced one of the results of the weekend as Matthew Ferguson’s hat-trick inspired them to victory over Glenavon, while Ballinamallard United stunned previously unbeaten Loughgall with a remarkable 6-1 win.
Queen’s University were also in ruthless form against Strabane Athletic, Newington maintained their position at the top, and Annagh United continued their impressive run with another victory.
Annagh United 2-1 Ards (Friday)
Annagh United extended their unbeaten league run to five games, coming from behind to defeat Ards on Friday night.
George Tipton put Ards ahead shortly after the hour mark, but Annagh responded immediately through James Carroll before Rhys Walsh completed the turnaround with his first goal for the club.
It is another impressive result for Annagh, who have responded brilliantly since their opening-day defeat and are beginning to build some real momentum.
Newry City 2-2 Armagh City (Friday)
Newry City’s inconsistent start continued as they were forced to settle for a point against Armagh City.
Ryan Swan gave the hosts an early lead, but Armagh turned the game around in the second half through Odhran Smyth and Leon Keogh. Newry needed a late Alex McAlister goal to rescue a draw.
It means Newry’s search for consistency goes on. There is clearly quality in the side, but they need to start putting results together if they are to challenge near the top.
Dundela 3-2 Glenavon
What a response from Dundela.
Still without a league win going into the weekend, Matthew Ferguson’s hat-trick inspired the Duns to a huge victory over Glenavon at Wilgar Park.
Glenavon twice fought their way back into the game and struck the woodwork twice late on, but Dundela held on. After a difficult start to the campaign, this could be exactly the result they needed.
Loughgall 1-6 Ballinamallard United
The result of the weekend.
Loughgall went into the game unbeaten and had been one of the Championship’s most exciting sides during the opening weeks, but Ballinamallard produced a stunning second-half display to win 6-1.
Caolan Donnelly scored twice, including a spectacular long-range effort, as the Mallards scored five times after the break. After an inconsistent start, this is a massive statement from Ballinamallard.
Moyola Park 1-4 H&W Welders
H&W Welders bounced back from their County Antrim Shield defeat in emphatic fashion.
Daniel Mhondiwa and Kyle Robinson both scored twice as the Welders ran out convincing 4-1 winners at Moyola Park, despite the hosts levelling shortly after half-time.
Paul Kee’s side continue to look like one of the strongest teams in the division and have responded well to their midweek disappointment.
Queen’s University 6-0 Strabane Athletic
A brilliant afternoon for Queen’s University.
The Students swept aside Strabane Athletic with a ruthless attacking display, with Ambrose Ajala and Ronan Young both scoring twice, while Dan Mairs and Stewart Nixon were also on target.
Queen’s have quietly put together a very solid start to the season, and performances like this show just how dangerous they can be.
Rathfriland Rangers 0-2 Institute
A much-needed result for Institute.
Liam Mullan and Padraig Lynch scored in either half to secure a comfortable victory and give ‘Stute some breathing room after a disappointing run of results.
For Rathfriland, though, the wait for a first point of the season continues. They remain the only side yet to get off the mark and will desperately be looking for something to kickstart their campaign.
Warrenpoint Town 0-1 Newington
Newington remain top of the Championship.
Aaron Heaney’s goal just before half-time was enough to secure a narrow but hugely valuable victory away to Warrenpoint Town.
It was always going to be a difficult away test, but Newington found a way to win again. They continue to set the pace at the top and their consistency is becoming increasingly impressive.
