Opening five: three league tests and a cup double-header

The 2026/27 season lands with a bang at Blackhouse Lane, with three Thurlow Nunn Premier Division fixtures inside eight days followed straight away by an FA Cup and FA Vase double-header. Here is how the opening five shape up for the Ards. **1. Downham Town (H) — Saturday 25 July, 3pm** Thurlow Nunn Premier Division We open the league campaign at home to Downham Town. It's the first competitive outing at Blackhouse Lane under the new-look squad, and a chance to lay down a marker in front of our own supporters. Expect the ground to be busy — first day of the season, new signings on show, and three points on offer straight out of the gate. **2. Brantham Athletic (A) — Tuesday 28 July, 7.45pm** Thurlow Nunn Premier Division A quick midweek turnaround and our first away trip, over to Brantham Leisure Centre. Tuesday nights on the road are always a proper test of the squad's depth this early in the season, and the short drive up the A137 should bring a healthy travelling contingent with us. **3. Kirkley & Pakefield (A) — Saturday 1 August, 3pm** Thurlow Nunn Premier Division The longest league trip of the opening block takes us out to Walmer Road to face Kirkley & Pakefield. Three league games in eight days is a demanding start, but it's also a chance to bank early points before the cups take over. **4. Downham Town (H) — Saturday 8 August, 3pm** FA Cup, Extra Preliminary Round The FA Cup returns to Blackhouse Lane, and the draw has served up a rematch with Downham Town — this time with a place in the Preliminary Round on the line. Two games against the same opposition inside a fortnight will make for a proper needle tie, and the winner takes another step on the road to Wembley. **5. FC Baresi (A) — Saturday 15 August, 3pm** FA Vase, First Round Qualifying Our FA Vase campaign begins with a trip to Wodson Park to face FC Baresi. The Vase has been kind to us in recent seasons and we'll be looking to make another deep run — but it all starts with getting through this one on the road. **Come on you Ards** Five games, three competitions, and a proper measure of where we are as a squad. Get down to Blackhouse Lane for the home ties and, if you can, get on the road for the away days — the players notice, and it makes a difference.