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Ards made a winning return to Clandeboye Park as they secured a surprise league victory over Portadown.

The hosts had the better of the first half and Andy Mitchell fired Ards ahead six minutes into the second half.

William Faulkner slotted past keeper David Miskelly to make it 2-0 before Darren Murray converted a penalty on 74 minutes to give Portadown hope.

James Cully sealed a deserved win in the last minute with a penalty although Ards stay bottom on goal difference.

Ards were back at the re-surfaced Bangor venue after playing their opening home games of the season at Dixon Park.

Neil Dougan and Craig McMillan provided the main threat for a dominant Ards in the first half, with both going close.

The hosts made the breakthrough when Mitchell rifled past Miskelly and Faulkner doubled the lead on 71 minutes by latching onto a Paul McDowell throughball and placing beyond the Ports keeper.

Murray netted from the spot three minutes later after McDowell pulled on a Portadown shirt in the box.

Gary Breen's late handball was punished as Ards skipper Cully stepped up to secure a third league win of the campaign, which moves them level on points with Warrenpoint Town.

"It was a wonderful performance, the boys were fantastic and they got just reward for their effort and enthusiasm," said Ards manager Niall Currie.

"There were a couple of hundred extra fans as we are back at Clandeboye and it made a difference.

"I decided during the week that we would go toe-to-toe with Portadown and just give it a go - we came out worthy winners."