Cliftonville made it three wins out of three to go two points clear at the top of the Daily Mirror Premier Division.
Marty Tabb's side, ninth in the league last season, are the only team left with a 100 per cent record after overnight leaders Portadown were held 1-1 by Linfield.
It was a first defeat of the league campaign for Ards after opening with draws against Newry and Institute.
George McMullan scambled in Cliftonville's opener on 29 minutes just after Mickey Donnelly had hit the bar for the Reds.
