Dull draw at the Showgrounds

AT a bitterly cold Showgrounds, Institute had to settle for a point at fellow strugglers Newry City tonight (Tuesday).

However the Waterside men will feel they had enough chances, in what was a dull encounter, to possibly go home with maximum points.

Nevertheless it was Newry who went close to breaking the deadlock when midfielder Alan Davidson saw his long range drive, on four minutes, kept out by a fortunate Gavin Cullen.

Soon after 'Stute's recent signing David McClements broke clear of the Newry back-line, but instead of going himself he laid the ball back for Shaun Holmes, but he blazed over from just inside the area.

Minutes later Cullen had to be at his brilliant best when at full stretch he tipped over another Davidson pile driver.

Just before the break Kevin Keegan's long ball released Davidson but with Andy Graham totally unmarked in a far better position, the midfielder's poor shot was easily gathered by Cullen, much to Graham's frustration.

In a disappointing second half the visitors missed two golden opportunities to claim all three points.

Firstly just 10 seconds after the restart a super through ball from the hard working Joe McCready released Declan Divin, but with only Andy Coleman to beat the striker shot straight at the keeper.

Then four minutes later and a long punt down field by Cullen wasn't dealt with by Danny O'Connor and the alert Divin nip in front of Coleman, but his toe poked shot trickled just wide of the unguarded goal.

Newry City: Coleman, King, Black, Munster, O'Connor, Keegan, McDonnell, Davidson, Boyd, Garrett, Graham. Subs: Keenan for Graham (77); Devlin for Boyd (79); Gallagher, Henderson & Hazley (not used).

Institute: Cullen, Wray, McLaughlin, Ogilby, Seydak; McClements, Shields, Friars, Holmes; McCready, Divin. Subs: Lowry for McCready (85); Blackburn, Semple & Ryan (not used).

Referee: Hugh Carvill (Belfast).