Portadown relegated after defeat by Ards

• Ards 3 - 2 Portadown

Portadown will be playing Championship football next season after they were relegated following a 3-2 defeat by Ards at the Bangor Fuels Arena.

Ards took the lead with just two minutes played, thanks to a superb strike by David McAllister - his left foot shot giving keeper Chris McGaughey no chance.

The Ports hit back just before the break to level matters with Garry Breen heading in from a corner.

Matthew Shevlin restored the lead for Ards with another well taken effort and, when Guillaume Keke made it 3-1, the writing was on the wall for the Mid Ulster side.

There was a glimmer of hope for the visitors when Ards conceded a penalty and had Stuart McMullan sent off.

Callum Ferris scored from the spot kick and, as the pressure continued on the Ards goal, Matthew Hazley saw his effort cleared off the line.

Near the end, Portadown were also reduced to 10 men with Sean Mackle seeing red.

There was no further scoring and, at the final whistle, relegation was confirmed for the Ports.