It was another frustrating day from the sidelines as indiscipline proved to be the governing factor as Dromore won this close encounter with the last kick of the game.

Ards had travelled to Dromore with a very strong squad and great expectations for a victory. But it was Dromore who started the more lively and were rewarded with an early easy penalty. Ards took a while to settle and get into the game but sadly and all too often, unauthorised questioning of the referees decisions, other than by the captain, saw the officials patience eventually wear thin and the production of the first of 2 yellow cards for Ards on the day, when Gareth Wilson was sent to the bin for the next 10 minutes.

Ards reorganised, and with Wilson spectating from behind the posts, Ards Kaz Kasarate, nipped in for a quick try just to the left of the posts after a tap and go on 27 minutes.

The forwards had everything wrapped up in the scrum and line-out, but the backs lacked a bit of penetration due mainly to niggly injuries to key players.

On the half-time whistle however, Graeme Taylor used his strength and experience to go in under the posts for Kaz to add the extras and things began to start going according to plan with Ards leading 12 - 3 at the break.

Ards had a very predatory back row with Max Harrison to the fore with some awesome carries and great tackling to help keep Dromore at bay. Max was ably assisted by big Jonny Harris and Ryan Mills, who between them created all sorts of hassle for the hosts as they battered their way around the park.

Two minutes into the second half and it was Taylor Nutt who got the first points on the board with a well executed try out wide.

On 54 minutes, the ref produced his 2nd yellow card after some shameful encouragement from the homeside when Conran Stewart was harshly adjudged to have made an illegal tackle round the 'ankles' of an opposition player.

Dromore took full advantage with Ards down to 14 men and forced their way up the park to score a try.

Ards came close to scoring on 3 more occasions, but a bit of indecision and an apparent knock-on, unseen by the official but swayed by the locals vocals, prevented Ards crossing the whitewash for a fourth and quite probably decisive try.

Jonny Harris was forced to leave the field due to a shoulder injury and this proved crucial in the dying minutes of the game.

Foolishly, Ards prevented a tap and go by Dromore in front of the posts and they gladly landed the 3 points to close the gap to 11 - 17 on 78 minutes.

Dromore sensed a major upset on the cards and ran everything at the visitors and amazingly after 5 minutes of played stoppage time, scored a late try close to the 15 metre mark, with only the conversion to come.

The conversion was sweet and the final whistle sounded with the final score 18 - 17 to the hosts.

Very disappointing from an Ards perspective, with poor decision making when too much possession was needlessly kicked away in midfield and frustrating indiscipline to blame for most of their woes.

On a much more positive note and despite the loss, Ards remain 2nd in the league.

No update on Jonny Harris just yet, but everyone at Ards wish him a speedy recovery and quick return to action.

Thanks to Dromore for a good game, the match official and the travelling support.

Ards have a few of weeks off before their next outing which is away to Coleraine 2s on the 14 November.

Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday, so please make the effort to attend.