Institute cruise past Knockbreda and narrow gap to Dundela at top of the Championship

Kevin Deery saw his Institute side ease past Knockbreda

The drama wasn’t confined to the Sports Direct Premiership on Boxing Day as Playr-Fit Championship sides aimed to land significant blows.

With leaders Dundela making the short trip to H&W Welders on Wednesday afternoon, the chasing pack looked to make up a little ground.

Second placed Institute were impressive 4-1 winners at Knockbreda.

Michael Harris grabbed a brace, with Shaun Leppard and Kirk McLaughlin also scoring in the rout. Ronan Kalla’s goal for the hosts mattered little against Kevin Deery’s side.

Portadown suffered their third consecutive League defeat as they lost 3-1 at Annagh United.

Jordan Campbell, Ruairi McDonald and Kris Calvert found the net for United.

Eamon Fyfe scored late on for the Ports but it was another miserable afternoon for the mid-Ulster side.

Fourth placed Ballyclare Comrades are celebrating a big 2-1 win at Newington.

Michael Morgan and Gary Donnelly scored for the Comrades, with dangerman Zach Barr’s 30th minute equaliser failing to influence the outcome.

In the first North Down Boxing Day derby since 2015, Ards staged a remarkable fightback in a 2-2 draw.

Second half goals from Callum Dougan and Ross Hunter denied the Seasiders bragging rights at Clandeboye Park.

Dougan also had a penalty saved from James Taylor in a derby thriller.

Scott McArthur and Ben Arthurs had Bangor 2-0 ahead by the 17th minute but Ards fought back to grab a point.

In a tight affair at Darragh Park, Dergview edged out Ballinamallard United 1-0.

At the top, the Duns are four points ahead of Stute and have two games in hand.

Portadown, who have also played two games more than Dundela, remain six points adrift from the leaders.

Dundela are going for their