The Welders bag East Belfast bragging rights as Championship leaders Dundela slip up

Harland and Wolff Welders 2 Dundela 1

Tiarnan O'Connor of Harland and Wolff Welders celebrates his East Belfast derby goal with Matthew Ferguson

Dundela missed an opportunity to go seven points clear at the top of the Playr-Fit Championship, as Harland and Wolff Welders bagged the East Belfast bragging rights at a busy Blanchflower Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Goals from Matthew Ferguson and Tiarnan O’Connor either side of half-time secured the points, with Jordan Jenkins’ second half strike proving to be a little more than a consolation. The defeat leaves Dundela four points clear of title rivals Institute, and six ahead of Portadown and Ballyclare Comrades.

Reflecting on the game, Duns boss Stephen Gourley said: “We’re disappointed. I didn’t see that performance coming considering how well we have played in recent weeks.

Matthew Ferguson of Welders scores against Dundela

“It goes to show that if you’re not up for a local derby you’re going to get exactly what you deserve and that is nothing. We were off it today, and we can’t have any complaints about the final result.”

Things might have been very different for Dundela had Jordan Jenkins found the net in the 36th minute. Slipped through by midfield veteran Andy Hall, Jenkins escaped the attentions of the Welders’ defence only to fire just past Michael Argyrides’ post.

The Welders grabbed the lead three minutes later. Ewan McCoubrey swung in an inch perfect cross from the right-flank, allowing Ferguson to power home a towering header at the back post.

Craig Harris of Welders tackles Charlie Dornan of Dundela

Things got even worse for Dundela four minutes into the new half, when the lively O’Connor latched onto an underhit backpass from Jaimie McGovern. O’Connor