INSTITUTE: Kearney delighted with Doherty

Boss Oran Kearney was full of praise for ex-Institute goalkeeper Michael Doherty.

The Bannsiders are the third highest scorers in the league so far this season.

But at the other end they have been really miserly conceding only 16 goals before the game at Ballinamallard, third just a goal behind Cliftonville.

Keeper Doherty, who re-joined Coleraine last season, has been imperious to date.

He has produced a number of top drawer saves in recent weeks, and was rightly named Player of the Month for October.

Kearney is delighted to see the Magilligan man in such impressive form.

“Michael Doherty has been fantastic,” said Kearney.

“He was maybe a bit nomadic in his younger days having moved around between Coleraine, Institute and Limavady, but he is settled with us now and at that age where we are getting the best years of his career.

“Michael’s experience has been vital and he hasn’t let us down when he has been called upon.”

Doherty has recorded five clean sheets during the Bannsiders’ 11-match unbeaten run, conceding just six goals in that time, including one at Ferney Park.

“It is great for me to have a goalkeeper that I know I can rely on,” added the Bannsiders boss.

“It’s very important, no matter how well you are doing, that you have a goalkeeper that you have total confidence in.

“That’s not to say he won’t make mistakes - everyone will - it’s all about working hard to minimise those.”