The first two quarters were end to end action with Ards just getting the better of their opponents.

Report and pictures by Cyril Boyd Photography

Midway through the first period , the visitor’s No 13 Frankie Brown was on the end of a cross to the far post to give Ards the lead with a fine finish. Ballymena tried to react and gained a couple of penalty corners but the visiting defence held firm.

Ards striker Brown was again on target in the second period to increase the visitors lead. Ballymena now grew into the game and only fine goalkeeping by the visitors Naomi McKnight kept out home team captain Claire Gillespie when she broke through one on one with the keeper. So it remained two nil to the visitors at half time.

The final two quarters were evenly contested with each defence tested and the goalkeepers proving their worth.

Ballymena’s keeper Robyn Fullerton blocked Brown from achieving her hattrick on at least two occasions and her opposite number was doing the same at the other end.

It was a good open competition but without any further goals so Ards came away with the points on this day.

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