Hat-tricks were the order of the day as both Bangor and HW Welders swept to another win, as Ballinamallard United and Institute also collected three points apiece.

Leaders Bangor remain 12 points ahead after a three-goal victory on the road at Armagh City thanks to a hat-trick from Ben Arthurs.

Arthurs opened the scoring on 11 minutes after receiving a Lewis Harrison through ball, before doubling up a few minutes after that, this time from Ben Cushnie’s lay-off.

The 26-year-old then wrapped the scoring up on the stroke of half-time with a header from Tiarnan Mulvenna’s cross.

Michael McLellan also went home with the match ball as second placed HW Welders came from behind to defeat Newry City at the Blanchflower Stadium.

The visitors moved in front through Ryan McNickle's finish over the keeper in first half stoppage time, but McLellan levelled from the spot just before the hour after Oran O’Kane had been brought down in the area.

McLellan edged the Welders in front on 70 minutes with a curling effort into the top corner, before he hit his second spot-kick of the afternoon seven minutes from time following a foul on David Parkhouse.

And Parkhouse himself completed the scoring not long after that from close range following good work from Daylen Farren.

Annagh United and Limavady United shared the four goals scored at the BMG Arena.

Ciaran McGurgan’s side edged into a 12th minute lead through Ryan Swan’s finish from a tight angle after running onto Scott McCullough’s ball to get past keeper Martin Gallagher.

Stephen Lowry hit back for the visitors just after the half-hour mark when he fired home from six yards after a corner from the left wasn’t cleared.

John Butcher nudged the Roesiders in front midway through the second half after connecting with a cross from the left but, with three minutes left, Phillip Donnelly knocked home the equaliser from close range.

Institute collected their first three points of 2025 with victory over Dundela at Wilgar Park.

Conor Quigley blasted ‘Stute into the lead after just two minutes with a near post finish.

The Duns hit back to level on 41 minutes when Sam Dinu found the net at the back post following a good build up from Mark Patton and David McMaster.

But Evan Tweed restored Institute’s lead from the spot in first half stoppage time before, with around a quarter-of-an-hour to go, Padraig Lynch secured the win with a great finish into the bottom corner.

Two second half goals saw Ballinamallard United edge past Ballyclare Comrades at Ferney Park.

Jake Browne handed the Mallards the lead six minutes into the second half with a good finish over keeper Lewis Deane from just outside the area.

Conor Stewart then added number two on 76 minutes after the visiting defence had been opened up.

Meanwhile, at Clandeboye Park, Newington hit a late equaliser to share the spoils with Ards.

Ards moved in front eight minutes from the break after Michael Ruddy had successfully converted from the spot.

It was a lead they held until the fourth minute of added time when Jay Donnelly hit the leveller for the Swans.