Northern Ireland U21 international Richard Clarke opened Newry's account on 22 minutes with a strong finish from just inside the area after collecting an Andy Crawford cross from the left.

Cormac McArdle made it 2-0 ten minutes later when he slotted the ball under the body of rookie home keeper Bob Robertson before, right on the stroke of half-time, Ward grabbed his first of the day from a tight angle around 15 yards out.

The Villagers fell further behind on 66 minutes when the unfortunate Noel Robinson turned the ball past his own keeper whilst attempting to clear a Steven Fergson cross.

Ward then added yet another ten minutes from time when he kept his cool to round Robertson and slot home into the unguarded net.