Ards played host to Antrim Rovers looking to get back to winning ways after a scoreless draw last week in Derby.
The boys started well and looked up for it right from the start but Antrim Rovers were not here to make up the numbers and were starting to show signs that they were going to give us a game. The first clear chance came in the 14th minute when Jack Patterson sent a cross in to the box which was met by the head of Noah Crenshaw but his effort went just over the crossbar. Five minutes later Reece Atkinson found himself in on goal and hit a fine shot only for the Antrim keeper to save with his foot. The a minute later we would have to good chances the first came when jack Patterson's shot deflected of a defender of the post and out for a corner, then Matthew Guest sent over a corner and again it was met with the head of Jack Patterson and his effort came of the crossbar. A spectacular effort from Brandon McFerran from 30 yards out saw the Antrim keeper pull of a wonder safe as he tipped the goal bound shot over his crossbar. Ards got another corner in the 38th minute and as Matthew Guest sent over the corner Reece Atkinson headed over the crossbar. This was looking like just another one of those games when we had plenty of chases but couldn't find the net.
HALF TIME: 0.0
Half time team talk was for the midfield to get control and start dictating the play. Six minutes in and it was time for a change, on came Joel Hill for Caleb Surgenor with Joel going straight into his usual centre back role and Edward Muldrew back in his central midfield role to give us more bite. Edward would make an immediate affect who he's fouled just outside the box, the resulting free kick was taken by Reece Atkinson but the Antrim keeper yet again pull of a great save. The keeper launched the ball up field but Joel Hill met it on the half way line and rattle the ball up the pitch which had the Antrim keeper beaten but it came of the crossbar(could have been a contender for goal of the season). It was time for a tactical switch as we move Ryan Hannah from right wing to play striker and Jack Patterson out on the right wing, when two minutes later the switch payed of, Jordan Mulholland broke down the left wing sent over a ball to the far side of the box where he found Ryan Hannah unmarked who controlled the ball then buried it into the back of the net to put Ards in front, 1:0 Ards. We finally got the goal we deserved and now the heads were up looking for more. For all the pressure we were putting on the Antrim defence they were coping well with anything we throw at them. Finally in the 71st minute we double our lead to put the result beyond doubt, Matthew Guest played a smashing through ball in to the Antrim box and Brandon McFerran who had pushed forward from right back unleashed a powerful shot into the next to leave the Antrim goalkeeper no chance, 2:0 Ards.
FULL TIME: 2.0
Managers comments:
Well done boys another solid performance but we need to take control of the midfield sooner. Also a big thank you to Antrim Rovers for an excellent challenge as they came to enjoy a game of football and they where a good bunch of lads.
