Ards beat Ballymena to move top

Ards celebrate their 4-3 win over Ballymena United. Credit: Presseye

  • Ballymena Utd 3-4 Ards

Ards moved to the top of the Irish Premiership after a dramatic 4-3 win over Ballymena United at the Ballymena Showgrounds on Saturday.

Niall Currie's side, who only earned promotion to the top flight last season, took the lead after five minutes when Stuart McMullan powered home a header, but Allan Jenkins equalised eight minutes later with a powerful volley.

The Sky Blues were in front by the 25th minute when Jenkins teed up Cahair Freil, but again the lead did not last long as Emmet Friars restored parity with a headed finish on the half hour.

Ards took the lead before the break in somewhat fortuitous circumstances, when a strong challenge saw the ball ping off James McKinney and into the net.

Caolan Loughran headed in yet another equaliser eight minutes after the restart, but just as it looked as though both sides were ready to settle for the draw, Gareth Tommins slammed home the winner with a minute left to send his side top of the table.