BANGOR maintained their nine-point lead at the top after St Stephen’s Day draws for the Playr-Fit Championship’s top two sides.
Lee Feeney’s Seasiders, who appear on course for a long-awaited return to the Sports Direct Premiership, drew 0-0 in the festive derby with Ards at Clandeboye Park, the venue shared by the north Down neighbours.
And second-placed Limavady finished level at 1-1 with Institute in the north west derby at the Brandywell.
Stephen Doherty edged the home side in front just after the break before Limavady’s Andrew Whiteside levelled with a late header.
Elsewhere, Armagh City beat Annagh United 3-1 at Holm Park, Ballinamallard defeated Newry City 2-1 at Ferney Park and north Belfast’s Newington earned a point in a 1-1 draw with Stephen Small’s Ballyclare Comrades at Dixon Park.
Third-placed Dundela host the fifth-placed Welders in a big east Belfast derby at Wilgar Park on Friday afternoon (2pm).