Saturday, 20 August 2022 | 13.7°C Belfast

Matthew Tipton believes Ards will face formidable rivals in Loughgall

Ards and Loughgall go head-to-head at Clandeboye Park tonight (7.45pm) after both produced eye-catching wins on the opening day of the Lough 41 Championship campaign.

M atthew Tipton’s Ards defeated Harland and Wolff Welders 2-0 at Blanchflower Park, while Dean Smith’s Loughgall stunned recently-relegated Warrenpoint Town at Lakeview with a 2-0 win of their own.

Ards boss Tipton is expecting a hard-fought encounter. He said: “Most people tipped Warrenpoint to win last week — probably because they’ve just been relegated from the Premiership — but I wasn’t surprised Loughgall won.

“They’ve consistently finished in the top four in recent years and have improved their squad over the summer. It was a great result for them, but I wouldn’t call it a shock. They will be a difficult team to beat this season.

“We’re also going into the game off the back of a good performance and result but come kick-off I don’t think that will matter. It’s a different game.

“The game will be decided by whose game plan works best on the night. We will show Loughgall the respect they deserve, but my focus is on my players.”

Last season, Ards finished in seventh. A poor run saw ex-Portadown boss Tipton replace John Bailie as manager in February.

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Over the summer, Tipton refreshed the squad, adding nine new signings including ex-Linfield goalkeeper Alex Moore and former Portadown right-back Greg Hall.

Tipton explained: “Anyone that watched Ards last season knew the team needed an overhaul, not just in terms of personnel but in the way they played.

“Over the summer, we worked hard on our system as well as recruitment. We played friendlies against Premiership teams like Coleraine and Larne, and rather than defending and trying to keep the score down we tried to attack and play our style.

“I’ve always tried to play an attractive brand. Last season at Portadown, I moved away from that because we were up against it. I’ve promised myself that in future, I’ll stick to my principles.”

Tomorrow, leaders Newington travel to Ballinamallard, Dergview host Ballyclare Comrades, Institute welcome Annagh to the Brandywell, Knockbreda play the Welders at Breda Park and Warrenpoint host Dundela.

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