TRANSFER NEWS: Ballyclare boss Dorrian swoops for Ward and McClurg

Ward arrives at Dixon Park following the departure of Paddy Flood, who put pen to paper with Larne.

“Paddy wanted first-team football and I couldn’t guarantee that,” explained Reds’ manager David Dorrian. “I know he has been at the club for eight or nine years and that he has figured in the Regions’ Cup several times, but we now have competition for the number one jersey.

“Young Jonah Nicholl has been performing brilliantly for the reserves and he showed up well when he deputised for Paddy on a couple of occasions. We have now recruited Sean Ward, a 27-year-old from Ahoghill Thistle, who play in the Ballymena Saturday Morning League, so there is competition for places.”

Dorrian added: “We also welcome back midfielder Johnny McClurg after a brief sojourn with Ballynure Old Boys. He played in our first friendly, looked fit and sharp, and I am glad to have him back on board.”