Ards need to start climbing the table, admits manager Matthew Tipton

Matthew Tipton’s Ards have slipped to second bottom

Ards manager Matthew Tipton has conceded that results must come quickly with the County Down club stuck in the relegation play-off zone.

The Red and Blues had hoped to mount a promotion challenge this term, but a string of poor results has left them in 11th place, with only winless Knockbreda below them. In each of the last two weekends, they have conceded late goals at Clandeboye Park to lose 3-2 to Institute and Annagh United, respectively.

Ahead of Saturday’s clash with Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park, Tipton said: “I think after 15 or 16 games, you can get a true reflection of things. Well, we’re nearly there now, so we can’t hide the facts of where we are.

“I have to look at it realistically and say, ‘are we playing the football of the second worst team in the league?’. No, by far we’re not, but we’re making mistakes that are costing us and the results have got to come quickly.

“Ballyclare are very strong at home, they always have been in the time I’ve been in this country. Psychologically, we’ve got to be on it from minute one.”

Table-toppers Dundela will host a rejuvenated Dergview, who have won three of their last five League matches.

Portadown, who trail the Duns by three points, will expect to beat basement side Knockbreda at Shamrock Park. Breda have lost all 12 of their Playr-Fit Championship games so far, however their County Antrim Shield quarter-final victory over Ballymacash Rangers will have given the club a timely boost.

Third-placed Institute travel to Blanchflower Park to play Harland and Wolff Welders, keen to record a fourth straight League victory. By contrast, the Welders have lost their last two outings.

Fourth-placed Bangor welcome