Stute lose despite early lead

Glentoran…(2) Hamilton (21 Pen); Clarke (72)Institute…(1) 1 Semple (1)

DESPITE possibly the quickest ever Carling Premiership goal Institute narrowly lost at champions Glentoran, last night (Tuesday).

Ryan Semple's strike after just 11 seconds wasn't enough for the Waterside men who in truth held their own, but goals from Gary Hamilton and Richard Clarke, gave Scott Young his first win since becoming boss.

A long ball out of defence by Eamonn Seydak caught out Johnny Black, his poor header fell to Semple and the ex-Linfield man calmly steered the ball past the out-rushing James Taylor.

To their credit the home side tried everything to get back into the game with duo Hamilton and Colin Nixon both going close.

Then on 17 minutes the former Northern Ireland international saw his over-head kick, which had Gavin Cullen beaten, rattle off the post.

Soon after Hamilton's run and cross down the right found Clarke, but the midfielder somehow fired wide from just 10 yards, however the Glens did level things on 21 minutes.

Ruairi Boyle brought down Clarke inside the area and referee Simon Creaney pointed to the spot and Hamilton coolly stepped up and chipped home the resulting spot-kick.

Just after the half-hour mark the Waterside men wasted a great chance to regain the lead.

Striker Joe McCready was brought down inside the area by Sean Ward, but James Taylor easily saved David Ogilby's resulting weak penalty.

Cullen made a smart save ten minutes before the break to keep out Clarke's thunderous 30 yard effort.

Both sides were reduced to ten men right on the stroke of half-time when Ruairi McClean and Daryl Fordyce clashed off the ball and the Newtownards official sent both players off.

In another exciting second half it was John Gregg's side who had two super chances to get back in front, but Taylor made great saves to deny both Kevin Ramsey and former oval favourite Shaun Holmes.

But on 72 minutes the Glens scored what turned out to be the winner when Clarke superbly lobbed Cullen from 22 yards, after he latched onto Dean Fitzgerald's inch perfect through ball.

Glentoran: James Taylor, Ward, Nixon, Leeman, Black; Gillespie, Fordyce, Clarke, Hill; Hamilton, Halliday. Subs: Fitzgerald for Hill (57); Martyn for Gillespie (87).

Institute: Cullen, Wray, Boyle, Ogilby, Seydak; Semple, McClean, Holmes, Divin; Ramsey, McCready. Subs: McClements & Lowry for Semple & Ramsey (61).

Referee: Mr Simon Creaney (Newtownards).

Sent-off: McClean (45); Fordyce (45).

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