Soccer

Bad day at office for new Championship outfit

United well beaten as Ards show class

Pacemaker Press 1324
Portadown v Cliftonville Clearer Water Irish Cup
Portadown's Zach Barr and Cliftonville's Odhran Casey during this evening's game at Shamrock Park, Portadown.  Photo by David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press
New Ards signing Zach Barr bagged opener (David Maginnis/David Maginnis/Pacemaker Press)

LIMAVADY United’s step up to the second tier ended in a 3-0 defeat at home to Playr-Fit Championship promotion hopefuls Ards.

Zach Barr gave the visitors a first half lead after Eamon Scannell’s 35-yard lob came back off the crossbar.

Aidan Steele and Ross Hunter wrapped up the scoring.

Ballinamallard United are the very early pacesetters following a four-goal defeat of Ballyclare Comrades at Ferney Park.

All the goals came after the break through Alex Holder, Darragh Byrne, Callum Moorehead and Daniel Barker.

Newington also went down 3-0, against Annagh at Inver Park - Ryan Swan, Lee Upton and a Nathan Kerr penalty, after Jack Evans had been brought down in the area, did the damage.

Aaron Prendergast - on loan from Glenavon - scored to steer Dundela to a 1-0 win over Newry City at Wilgar Park.

Armagh City and Institute drew 2-2 in an exciting encounter at Holm Park.