Disappointing ’Stute draw with rivals

McKeever (26)

Newry City...........................(1) 1

Havern (21)

NOT for the first time this season Institute’s lack of attacking threat came to the fore against fellow promotion hopefuls Newry City, on Saturday.

In truth the Waterside men never troubled City keeper Gareth Buchanan in the second half, but to be fair Martin Gallagher in the home side’s goal wasn’t called into much action after the break, in what was a poor game overal.

In this showing the Drumahoe club need experienced striker Stephen Parkhouse to firstly get back from suspension but then more importantly find a bit of form in the remaining seven league games, if they harbour any hopes of clinching that promotion place.

A smart save by Gallagher on three minutes denied Darragh Hanaphy, the keeper got down well to keep out the midfielder’s effort from an acute angle.

On nine minutes a well hit free-kick by Darren McFadden, which had Gareth Buchanan well beaten, flashed just wide.

The deadlock was broken on 21 minutes when a long ball over the top caught out the ’Stute back-line and drew Martin Gallagher from his line and the alert Marty Havern calmly lobbed the stranded keeper.

’Stute missed a great chance to level things soon after when Sean Roddy’s free-kick found Paddy McLaughlin at the back post, but the skipper headed wide.

The home side did level things on 26 minutes when midfielder Declan McKeever created himself some space 25 yards from goal and his left footed drive, just bounced in front of keeper Buchanan, on it’s way into the net.

Right on the stroke of half-time Stephen Hughes had a super chance to give his side the lead again, but his right footed shot sneaked just past Gallagher’s right hand post.

Early in the second half a fantastic goal-line clearance by Graham Crown kept the scores level when Mark Hughes’ well hit drive, which had Gallagher beaten, was somehow blocked on the line by the centre-back and Graeme Taylor was on hand to clear the loose ball.

Just after the hour mark a super run by McKeever saw the midfielder burst into the City box, but his left footed strike flew well over the bar.

Institute: Gallagher, Roddy, McLaughlin, Crown, Taylor; McKeever, McCauley, McBride; Jarvis, Kelly, McFadden. Subs: Harkin for McBride (66); McCready & Carlyle for Kelly & Jarvis (85); Walsh & Browne (not used).

Newry City: Buchanan, King, Devlin, Copeland, Donegan, Tierney, Masterton, M Hughes, Hanaphy, Havern, S Hughes. Subs: Grant & McCabe for Hughes & Masterton (85); Hutchinson, Curran & Hand (not used).

Referee: Mr David Walker (Coleraine).