Institute gear up for title showdown at Clandeboye

Institute's Micheal McCrudden scores the second goal of their match against Newbuildings United on Saturday. INLS0714-152KMInstitute's Micheal McCrudden scores the second goal of their match against Newbuildings United on Saturday. INLS0714-152KM
Institute's Micheal McCrudden scores the second goal of their match against Newbuildings United on Saturday. INLS0714-152KM
Institute manager Paul Kee is trying to play down the significance of this Saturday’s clash at Championship One joint leaders Bangor (KO 2pm).

The Drumahoe club currently sit three points behind the Seasiders and Carrick Rangers, with Garth Scates’ side having a game in hand.

“The league won’t be lost on Saturday, but it will go a significant way in seeing what direction sides may go,” he admitted.

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“But we have to try and give a good account of ourselves and try to keep in the mix.

“There are a group of five teams who are in the shake up and while I know it’s a cliché we just have to try and win as many games as we can.”

With the Clandeboye Park pitch a 3G surface, Kee believes that will benefit his side as they are used to playing on that type of surface, because they train at the Vale Centre’s tremendous facility in Greysteel.

“The 3G surface will suit our boys, no question about that,” Kee added.

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“Bangor’s 3G is the same type as the Vale Centre’s and it really will suit us, but the most important thing is that we go there and try to make sure that we play our game and keep our momentum going.”

The Waterside men are in great form at the minute winning ten of their last 11 games, and Kee is hoping that run can continue this weekend.

“We are trying to play good football and do the right things,” said the ’Stute gaffer.

“The players are playing with good energy and there’s a nice wee mix in the team now, there’s good commitment, good effort, good defending, good offence play, good counter-attack play and when we want to do we can do it well.

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“That’s credit to the players, as they are taking on board what we are doing with them during training sessions.”

The Waterside men may have Colm McLaughlin and Declan McKeever back from injury, while striker Darren McFadden could also be pushing for a return to the starting line-up.

“Declan missed last week’s game with Newbuildings United because of sickness, so we’ll see how he is this week at training and Colm should be OK.

“He’s struggling a wee bit playing on the 3G, but I’m confident he’ll be OK.”

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Kee is also hoping that striker Stephen O’Flynn keeps his super goalscoring form going.

The ex-Derry City man has netted eight times in four games.

“He has really settled in well for us, and I think his run shows his class,” said Kee.

“When he is at himself, he’s really hard to deal with, but at times he’s guilty of taking that foot off the gas for a wee minute or two, but some times good players do that and it’s our job to try and keep on top of him and make sure that he gives the maximum all the time, because if he does do that then we aren’t going to be that far away.”

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