INSTITUTE: Boss Kevin Deery gutted for his players after narrow loss

Stute for one reason or other just didn’t seem to have the spark and get going and because of that their 14 game unbeaten run in the league came to an end.

“The disappointing thing is that we have worked so hard to get to this stage where we are 13 games unbeaten and you just wish you could get the last three in,” he said.

“I’m disappointed for the boys because they put the work in and Ards know how to handle this league because they are more experienced.

“I’m proud of my players for the way they went about their business and we’ll not change that.”

Deery, like most observers at Drumahoe on Saturday, felt his players were not at their best but did more than enough to get a share of the spoils.

In fact his side probably could have won the game if they had a bit more luck and a bit more composure in the final third.

Midfielder Ciaron Harkin missed from the penalty spot, while young striker Alex Pomeroy had a glorious opportunity late on to secure at least a point.

“We got dragged into what they wanted,” he said.

“They are an experienced team and we fell into a trap of getting involved in long balls and second balls and our pitch didn’t allow us to play, which is a great disappointment, because it’s not in great shape at the minute.

“That’s no excuse however because both teams have to play on it. The difference was that we gave away two really poor goals and we missed a penalty and a great chance at the end.

“We could have won the game but it wasn’t to be.”