Ogilby is spot-on

TEN men Institute had defender David Ogilby to thank for their well earned point against fellow strugglers Ballymena United, on Saturday.

The big centre-back became the club's leading goalscorer this season when he calmly dispatched two penalties in the first half, but that double wasn't enough as Roy Walker's side had their own piece of good fortune for their equaliser.

United started brightly and broke the deadlock after just seven minutes when Darren Lockhart side footed home from close range, after Ogilby had blocked Gary Muir's initial shot.

Credit to 'Stute and they levelled things four minutes later when the impressive Joe McCready, who was only starting for the second time this season, was pushed to the ground inside the area by Albert Watson and referee Raymond Hetherington pointed to the spot, from where Ogilby blasted into Dwayne Nelson's bottom left hand corner.

Incredibly the home side were rightfully awarded a second penalty on 19 minutes when this time Lee Colligan handled the ball inside the area, after Shaun Holmes' initial shot came crashing back off the post, Ogilby again fired this time high into the United keeper's left hand corner.

On 38 minutes a fantastic through ball by Michael Smith caught out Paddy McLaughlin, but fortunately for the defender Gavin Cullen made a tremendous save to deny Mark Surgenor.

The visitors equalised in the 47th minute in somewhat fortunate circumstances.

Recent signing Muir saw his well hit free-kick from the edge of the box take a massive deflection on its way past a flat-footed Cullen.

The Braidmen were unlucky not to get back in front minutes later when substitute Lee Cushley saw his 25 yard drive superbly tipped over by a full stretched Cullen.

John Gregg's side went close themselves to regaining the lead on 62 minutes when Declan Divin did well to keep the ball in and his sliding pass released McCready, but the Waterside youngster who easily skipped away from Albert Watson, saw his low drive from 10 yards bravely charged down by Aaron Stewart.

Holmes was unlucky with the follow-up effort, his well hit shot was parried by Nelson and Divin was unable to get the loose ball on target.

Centre-back Paddy McLaughlin received the first of his two cautions on 67 minutes after he fouled Cushley, then only six minutes later he dragged down substitute Nathan McConnell and was rightfully given his marching orders.

Ten minutes before the break another Muir delivery caused problems in the 'Stute box, but and unmarked Stewart from only a few yards out somehow headed over.

Institute: Cullen, Wray, McLaughlin, Ogilby, Seydak; Shields, Boyle, McClean, Holmes; Divin, McCready. Subs: Semple for Wray (70); Crown for McCready (75); Lowry for Shields (79); McClements & Deane (not used).

Ballymena United: Nelson, Aid Watson, Colligan, Haveron, Alb Watson, Stewart, Muir, Smith, Surgenor, Kelbie, Lockhart. Subs: Cushley for Watson (48); McConnell for Lockhart (70) Lemon, O'Neill & Taggart.

Referee: Mr Raymond Hetherington (Dungannon).

Cautioned: Lockhart (40); Kelbie (52); McLaughlin (67); Boyle (82).

Sent-off: McLaughlin (73).