Chances were few and far between, and the best move of thegame came on 13 minutes when Brunton, Doherty and McIvor combined to carve out a shooting chance for Conor McKeever but he pulled his shot wide. McIvor and McCallan also had chances, but neither was on target. The closest anyone came to breaking the deadlock in the first half was when Eamon Doherty had a header cleared off the line, although Ards had one opportunity denied by a well-times tackle from Brendan Aspinall.

The second half was not much better than the first with the best chances falling to Brunton who went close with a 30 yard drive, and Gaston's close range volley over the bar after the ball was flicked on by Sam Shiels. However, the ultimate end to a dismal day was averted when Ollie McAuley, who emerged for the second half despite sustaining a nasty cut, found himself in the right place to block Harry McCourt's shot on the line.

1. David O'Hare

Another quiet day at the office. Ards were not interested in getting close enough to give Davy anything to do. (7)

2. Oliver McAuley

Man of the Match.Showed one lovely piece of skill to control a difficult dropping ball, and was in the right place to clear off the line. (7)

3. Robbie Brunton

Something of a return to form, although there was no attacking preence from Ards down that wing. (7)

4. Brendan Aspinall

One magnificantly timed tackle inside the penalty area which prevented a certain goal. (7)

5. Paul Gaston

Again acted as striker for much of the game - but to little effect. (7)

6. Eamon Doherty

Anonymous - the game was there for the taking, but Eamon was not able to create a single worthwhile chance. (5)

7. Sam Shiels

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Sam's confidence has gone the same way as his form - both are long since lost. (5)

8. Eddie Cunnington

Not improving with match practice as he should - but by no means the worst offender. (6)

9. David McCallan

Played OK, but he can't do it all on his own. (6)

10. Conor McKeever

Not one of Conor's better performances. (6)

11. Johnny McIvor

The current average from Johnny is one good performance per month - and when he's not good he can be really poor. (5)

sub Greg O'Dowd (for McIvor)

Was fairly lively when he came on, but couldn't spark the midfield into anything approaching life. (7)

sub Stephen Young (for Doherty)

Added more presence to the midfield, but it was too little, too late. (6)

sub Michael Surgeon (for Brunton)

I don't know what he was expected to produce in 9 minutes - and neither did he so he produced nothing. (-)