Blair looks for away day victory

FOR the second week running Institute Reserves secured a hard fought 1-0 success this time over Newry City Reserves.

Having defeated Coleraine and Newry in their last two outings at Drumahoe, manager Allan Blair is hoping his young side can secure another victory, this time at Lisburn Distillery Reserves, on Saturday.

"Distillery are one of the better sides in the Reserve League, so we know it's going to be a tough game for us," he said.

"However the confidence is high in our camp having won our last two games and I'll be looking for us to get our first away win in a while."

Defender Kevin Deehan goal was Saturday's match winner after he coolly side footed home Chris Beattie's corner in what the manager described as a tight encounter.

"To be honest there wasn't many chances in the match, with our young keeper Corey Wilson not having much to do, however he did make an important save when the game was still 0-0.

"I also feel since we have went back to a 4-4-2 formation we have looked more solid at the back."

Going into this weekend's trip to Ballyskeagh, Blair's young charges have no injury worries apart from Gareth Smith.

"At the minute I don't know how bad Gareth's injury is, he had to come off with concussion so we'll have to wait and see if he's alright for the Distillery game, as for the rest of the squad everyone else should be fine."