Limavady United, Ballinamallard United, Armagh City, HW Welders and Newington all picked up three points apiece from the latest round of Playr-Fit Championship action.

The Roesiders cut the gap at the top of the table to seven points – with a game in hand – with victory over Institute in the North West derby at The Showgrounds.

Connor McCloskey opened the scoring after a quarter-of-an-hour when the ball fell for him from Lewis Tosh’s corner onto the crossbar.

That was how it stayed until nine minutes from time when Ian Parkhill doubled the home advantage from the spot, and whilst ‘Stute hit back late on through Brandon Diau it wasn’t enough to chance the outcome of the game.

The other derby of the day saw leaders Bangor face Ards in a scoreless draw at Clandeboye Park.

Both sides had their chances, with Ards coming closest when a Darius Roohi effort was tipped onto the bar by keeper Patrick Solis Grogan while Bangor, the ‘away’ side on this occasion, were denied by a goalline clearance late on.

Two Michael McLellan goals helped third place HW Welders to a three-goal defeat of Annagh United at the Blanchflower Stadium.

The 32-year-old, in his first game back after switching from Dundela, opened the scoring on 12 minutes with a 25-yard free-kick before doubling up less than ten minutes later after being played through by Josh Kee.

The Welders held onto their two goal advantage until deep into stoppage time when Daylen Farren added a third with a powerful finish into the bottom corner.

Armagh City also hit three unanswered goals as they swept to victory over Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park.

James McCormack broke the deadlock as early as the third minute with a looping effort over the keeper, with James Doona adding a second midway through the first half from point blank range.

Doona then bagged his second of the afternoon with around a quarter-of-an-hour remaining after getting in behind the home defence to slot the ball home.

Ballinamallard United came from a goal down to get the better of Dundela at Ferney Park.

David McMaster volleyed the Duns in front on 38 minutes but Aaron Arkinson cancelled this out just before the break.

The Mallards took the lead themselves through Alex Holder just after the hour with a stunning 25-yard strike before substitute Darragh Byrne made sure of the points later in the game.

Meanwhile, a Jay Donnelly spot-kick just after the half-hour mark was enough for Newington to defeat Newry City in the bottom of the table clash at The Showgrounds on Friday night.