Soccer

Stute and Ports take advantage of Duns slip

PlayR-Fit Championship title race in more twists and turns

Derry City manager Declan Devine and assistant Kevin Deery on the line against Cork City at the Brandywell on Friday April 26 2019. Picture by Margaret McLaughlin
Institute boss Kevin Deery (right)

INSTITUTE and Portadown took full advantage of a slip by PlayR-Fit Championship leaders Dundela to close the gap at the top of the table.

Kevin Deery’s Stute beat Newington - the north Belfast side coming off a stunning 4-0 midweek success at Shamrock Park - 2-0 at the Brandywell, while the Ports triumphed 2-1 at Ballinamallard.

The Duns had slumped 4-0 at Annagh on Friday night, while Bangor beat Ballyclare 4-0 at Clandeboye Park on the same evening to boost their own promotion hopes.

Dundela now lead second placed Bangor by two points with a game in hand, although the promotion picture is complicated by the fact the Wilgar Park side have not applied for a Premiership licence.

The Ports and Stute are both two points behind Bangor.

Next weekend sees Portadown, Ballyclare, Newington and Institute in Irish Cup quarter-final action against Cliftonville, Glentoran, Larne and Linfield respectively.

RESULTS

Ards 0 H&W Welders 1; Ballinamallard 1 Portadown 2; Institute 2 Newington 0; Knockbreda 1 Dergview 2; Bangor 4 Ballyclare Comrades 0; Annagh 4 Dundela 0

FIXTURES

Tuesday, February 27: Newington v Ards (7.45pm, Inver Park); Dergview v Annagh (8pm)

Saturday, March 2 (3pm): Dundela v Ards; Annagh v H&W Welders; Dergview v Ballinamallard