Saturday’s Championship clash between Ards and Newington at Clandeboye Park was abandoned in the second half following an injury to young goalkeeper Rian Brown.

With the scores tied at 3-3, referee Niall Devlin made the call to abandon the second-tier fixture following what the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL) described as a “serious injury”.

The 20-year-old originally joined Newington from Larne in 2024 before earning a move to Premiership outfit Crusaders – he returned to the Inver Park-based club on loan ahead of the current campaign.

Visitors Newington took a 2-0 lead as Rory Donnelly added to Michael Ruddy’s own goal before Eamon Scannell struck for Ards.

placeholder image — Newington goalkeeper Rian Brown. (Photo by Newington FC)

Jamie Browne then equalised, but parity didn’t last long with former Glentoran striker Jay Donnelly putting ‘Ton back ahead.

Gary Donnelly levelled proceedings once again before Brown suffered a serious injury in the 78th minute with the match abandoned following a stoppage of play.

An update from NIFL on Saturday afternoon read: “Today’s #PlayrFitChamp fixture between @ArdsFC1900 and @NewingtonFC has been abandoned following a serious injury to a Newington player. Further updates regarding the fixture will be communicated in due course.”

Home club Ards sent their best wishes to Brown, posting: “Everybody at Ards FC would like to wish a speedy recovery to @NewingtonFC player Rian Brown.”

Elsewhere in the Championship, leaders Annagh United defeated Dundela 2-1 while nearest challengers Limavady United started their stint at Coleraine Showgrounds with a 3-1 victory over Armagh City.

Warrenpoint Town picked up a 4-0 triumph away to Ballinamallard United, H&W Welders won by the same scoreline on the road to Institute and Loughgall beat Queen’s University 2-0.