‘Kee’players need to raise their game

Institute manager Paul Kee. Picture by Darren Kidd/Press Eye

The Waterside man feels in recent weeks they haven’t been at their best and because of that Stute’s form has suffered.

“Our key players have not been performing to the level which is required and we’re constantly depending on young lads who are still finding their way at this level, so it’s been very difficult for us,” he stated.

“I believe our method is fine, but we had no penetration against Ballinamallard in the second half, their keeper did not have one save to make and that’s simply not good enough.

“We regularly have to pick our players up after matches and it’s been hard work for the coaching staff.”

With the transfer window opening in a few months Kee is hoping to strengthen his side, but he also concedes that whole sale changes to his squad isn’t the answer to their current problems.

“While the transfer window may open in January, we’re unlikely to figure prominently during that period so we must continue to work with the players we’ve got; the same players who we’ve managed to bring in at the start of the season.

“But we’ve also got to examine what’s happening now. I feel it’s got nothing to do with ability, I think it’s all down to mentality.”

Meanwhile Institute Reserves moved into third spot in the Northern Ireland Football League Reserve League, after an impressive 3-0 win at Ballinamallard United Seconds.