Goals galore for youths

Institute U14...3

St Oliver Plunkett U14...2

The Under 14’s continued their fine recent form, winning at a chilly Lisneal College with the last kick of the game, and although late, it was a thoroughly deserved win against fifth placed Plunketts.

’Stute shuffled the pack once again with Scott Hand returning to the starting line-up at centre back and Burnett back into midfield after a two game injury lay-off.

The home side started brightly against the NIBFA Cup holders and were edging the battle in midfield with Cloete standing out in only his second in that position.

After a tight opening 20 minutes it was the visitors who took the lead, their number nine nodding home unchallenged inside the six yard box from the corner.

However, it only seemed to spur ’Stute on and they levelled the game shortly before half-time.

The ball was played out of defence to Cloete who strode forward with the ball and released a slide-rule ball between the defenders for the lively Kinkaid to time his run onto he was able to check the keeper’s position before lofting the ball over him into the top right hand corner. It was just reward as ’Stute’s front three of Kinkaid, Gamble and Curry had been causing the visitors problems all game with their interplay and movement.

Half-time saw the introduction of Waterstone and Love to the midfield and Ward for Holland in goal as Stute looked to keep things fresh by giving a breather to the ever consistent Smallwoods.

Plunketts started the half well though and Connor at right back had to be aware to twice intercept a long ball in behind him, again showing good awareness in the full back position.

Early in the second half, ’Stute took the lead for the first time, Aaron Gamble scythed down in the box following a fine drive in from the left wing and Deighan stepped up to fire the resulting penalty into the bottom right hand corner.

’Stute took the opportunity to send on more reinforcements as Adams and O’Brien came on to freshen up the front line.

Against the run of play though Plunkett’s equalised, despite the great efforts of Connor and Killen, the ball evaded Ward and sneaked over the line.

’Stute battled on and attacked relentlessly, and in the final minute they were rewarded when Deighan carried the ball out of his own half and released the tireless Adams on the right wing, who beat his man and fed the ball in from the bye-line where three attackers were ready and waiting, O’Brien getting the final touch to force the ball home.

After losing in similar circumstances against Ridgeway a few weeks earlier it was just reward for a top class team performance.

Institute U15...3

Glenavon U15...1

Institute’s U15’s run of away fixtures continued this week against Glenavon in the National League on Friday night at Moyola.

Glenavon were quick out of the blocks and totally dominated for the first 20 minutes of play. Their passing and moving was a joy to watch and it was played at a high tempo. However ’Stute were well organised and kept the home side’s chances to a minimum. Glenavon’s best effort came from a cross down the left side only for the centre forward to head the ball against the crossbar.

From this moment on ’Stute began to play, passing the ball well and creating chances. Tommy Lee Deighan opened the scoring when he carried the ball from the half way line to fire home from 18 yards.

The lead didn’t last long as Glenavon won a penalty after some poor defending from ’Stute and the Lurgan lads made no mistake from 12 yards.

Just before the break, Deighan crossed from the left, Matthew Lynch running on, watched his shot shave the outside of the post.

In the second half ’Stute continued to probe and after 50 minutes, won a free kick 20 yards out, Tommy Lee Deighan’s fine strike made it 2-1.

Reece Adair working hard in both directions put in a quality cross to Spratt who headed it home 3-1. Stevie Connor was conducting the ’Stute back line well, however, another penalty was awarded to Glenavon with 10 minutes left on the clock but this time Nathan Gartside saved low to his corner and stopped Institute having a nervy last 10 minutes.

Some fine performances from Gartside, Connor, Spratt and Deighan but a special mention has to go to Reece Adair whose work rate should set an example to others.

Meanwhile the Under 11’s lost to Coleraine Academy and the U13’s had a battling 1-1 draw against Glendowan.

While any kids that want to play regular football and were born in 2002/2003, please come along to the club’s training nights - Friday’s at St Columb’s Park 7pm-8pm and Monday’s at Lisneal College 7.30pm-8.30pm.

They are aiming to build and strenghthen their squad for the new season which will be U12 playing an 11-a-side team.