McCready makes his point

A tremendous second half display saw Institute battle back and deservedly take a point at neighbours Coleraine, last night (Tuesday).

Trailing to a Darren Boyce goal at half-time, the Waterside men drew level thanks to another wonder strike from young striker Joe McCready and with a bit more luck they could have nicked all three points after the break.

Nevertheless a share of the spoils was the right result as the Bannsiders in truth missed a host of clear-cut chances in the opening 45 minutes.

After soaking up some pressure it was Institute who had the first real chance of the game on ten minutes.

A Ryan Semple cross from the right found McCready, but the striker's first time volley from 12 yards was straight at the grateful Davy O'Hare.

Coleraine did manage to break the deadlock after 14 minutes with ex-'Stute man Michael Hegarty right in the thick of the action.

The midfielder twisted and turned before getting away from Eamonn Seydak and his right wing centre found Boyce at the back post, the striker coolly chested the ball down and side stepped Ruairi Boyle's poor attempt at a challenge, before blasting home from close range.

Davy Platt's side should have doubled their advantage six minutes later when Stephen Carson's defence splitting pass released Stephen Lowry, but Gavin Cullen did well to deny the former Limavady United man.

Institute missed a great opportunity to level things on 39 minutes when another Semple cross this time found Declan Divin but after controlling the ball his low drive from the left side of the area was well kept out by O'Hare.

Coleraine had two great chances to increase their lead in quick succession just before the break.

Firstly Richard Gibson's curling effort from the edge of the box, which had Cullen beaten came back off the post and the striker some-how blasted over from 10 yards after Howard Beverland had picked up the loose ball and created the chance.

Whatever John Gregg said at half-time it seemed to do the trick as they started on the front foot and drew level on 53 minutes.

Kevin Ramsey held the ball up before setting up fellow strike partner McCready who's 25 yard curling shot flew past a full stretched O'Hare and into the net.

Soon after a super Tony Shields free-kick was whipped into the danger area but McCready's little flick, which had O'Hare beaten, flashed just over the bar.

Boyce played a clever pass to Carson on 85 minutes but the Northern Ireland international, who was disappointing all night, saw his low drive saved by Cullen.

The Drumahoe men had a great chance to win it soon after when Divin's through ball released substitute Paul Lowry, but after beating the offside trap his attempted lob over O'Hare was well off target.

A long ball down field in the 90th minute caught out David Ogilby but fortunately for the big defender substitute Jody Tolan, shot straight at Cullen.

Coleraine: O'Hare, Beverland, McVey, McLaughlin, Harkin; Carson, McCallion, Hegarty, Lowry; Gibson, Boyce. Subs: Morrow for Hegarty (62); Tolan for Gibson (80); Canning, Tommons & Watt (not used).

Institute: Cullen, Wray, Boyle, Ogilby, Seydak; Semple, Shields, McClean, Divin; Ramsey, McCready. Subs: Lowry for Ramsey (76); Blackburn for Semple (84); McLaughlin, Crown & Ryan (not used).

Referee: Mr Arnold Hunter (Maguiresbridge).