CITY PUT IN AN ‘ARD’ SHIFT

NEWRY CITY 2 ARDS 0 Tuesday 04.03.25

Newry City player Ben Harvey outjumps Ards player Ethan Simpson in the Playr-Fit Championship at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

Two late goals from stand-in striker, Alex O’Brien and regular centre-forward, Ryan McNickle, saw Darren Mullen’s Newry side grasp a very important 3 points towards the race for survival, at the bottom of the Playr-Fit Championship.

A cold Tuesday night in early March at the Showgrounds may not be the most tempting thought for some. Yet the loyal band of City followers went home sastisfied, if not entertained.

Opening goal scorer Alex O’Brien is hauled back by Ards Captain Michael Ruddy at the Showgrounds on Tuesday night Picture: Brendan Monaghan Sports/DNA

Two goal assists from veteran campaigner Stephen Moan and a solid performance from his fellow seasoned defender, Darren King, would have been the subject of last night’s terrace talk and speaks volumes for their character and fight.

Darren Mullen’s team will pause and reflect on their last good home result when they beat table toppers Bangor 2-1 at the Showgrounds back in January. A week later, they fell to a 4-0 defeat at the hands of Annagh United.

On Saturday, City travel to Ferney Park, Ballinamallard (3 pm), and a win at the Fermanagh venue would be a major boost to Darren Mullen, his players, and their loyal supporters.