Divin header saves 'Stute

NOT for the first time this season Declan Divin earned Institute a well deserved point against Ballyclare Comrades, at a sun-drenched, Riverside Stadium.

The much maligned striker continues to show his goal scoring qualities as his fourth goal of the campaign and his third in two games means 'Stute are now unbeaten in their last four games.

Both sides had a man sent-off in the early stages and after falling a goal behind the Waterside men had the in-form Divin to thank.

This match was sparked into life on ten minutes with both sides rightfully reduced to ten men.

'Stute's Graeme Taylor needless went over the top of the ball with a two footed tackle on Scott Irvine, that tackle saw David Officer run across the pitch and push the left back to the ground, leaving referee Tim Marshall with no option to dismiss both players.

The first chance of the match came on 25 minutes when Ryan Semple's right wing free-kick found Vinny Sweeney but his header was easily gathered by Paddy Flood.

Sweeney went close to breaking the deadlock early in the second half but his 20 yard drive on the turn was straight at Flood.

The deadlock was broken on 48 minutes when poor defending by Eddie McIntyre allowed Scott Irvine to skip away and cross for the in-form Mark McClelland who fired home his third goal in two games.

John Gregg's side suffered a major injury set-back minutes later when Sweeney was stretched off after keeper Flood had fallen awkwardly on him, after getting stretchered off the Waterside man left the Riverside Stadium in an ambulance.

McClelland was causing the home side problems again on 58 minutes when his pass fell to Eddie Hill but the veteran striker's close range shot hit the side netting.

The home side continued to push forward in search of the equaliser and Divin saw his clever curling effort on 76 minutes tipped over by a full stretched Flood.

From Semple's resulting corner into the danger zone incredibly found an unmarked Divin who gleefully headed home his fourth goal of the campaign.

Right at the death Eddie McIntyre had a good half chance but his right footed shot, which had beaten Flood flashed just wide.

Institute: Ryan, Semple, Crown, Browne, Taylor; Harkin, McClean, Lynch, McIntyre; Sweeney, Divin. Subs: McCready for Harkin (50); McShane for Sweeney (55); Falconer, Nicell, Ferguson.

Ballyclare Comrades: Flood, Reid, Munster, McCullough, Forsythe, Officer, Irvine, McGowan, McClelland, Hill, Simms. Subs: Armstrong for Reid (H-T); Lynch & Burns for Hill & Simms (81); Holland (not used).

Referee: Mr Tim Marshall (Enniskillen).

Cautioned: Flood (25); McCullough (43).

Sent-off: Taylor (10); Officer (10).