Youthful 'Stute knocked out

AN under strength Institute side were dumped out of this year's Craig Memorial Cup by a well organised Portstewart team.

The Waterside men had the likes of Alan Ryan, Vinny Sweeney and Thomas Wray all sitting out the game, as boss John Gregg was true to his word and gave his young players a chance to prove themselves.

Unfortunately the likes of Gareth Smith, Mark Nicell and keeper Corey Wilson never really did enough to stake their claim for a regular first team spot.

An early free-kick for the home side after just two minutes nearly gave them the lead but Eddie McIntyre's effort from 20 yards, flashed just past Joel Madison's left hand post.

Minutes later Owen Peden's free-kick into the danger area was headed goalwards by Cahir Friel, but Wilson in the 'Stute goal did well to turn the looping effort over his bar.

Robert Nicholl's resulting corner was whipped into the six yard box and with Wilson caught out in no man's land, the alert Rowen Neill was on hand to turn the ball into the net.

The visitors doubled their lead on 27 minutes when they caught 'Stute with another counter-attack.

Nicholl's initial close range shot was charged down by David McClements, but the alert Bryan Tosh was on hand to side foot home the rebound.

Institute should have levelled things on 39 minutes when a defensive mistake let in Matthew Smyth, but the youngster's close range drive although well struck was straight at Madison.

John Gregg's side didn't really create much in the opening stages of the second half but they did manage an effort at goal on the hour mark.

Declan Divin's lay-off fell to midfielder Conor McShane but his well hit shot from 25 yards was easily gathered by Madison.

The home side were inches away from pulling one back moments later when the much sought after Joe McCready skipped away from a few challenges but his left footed shot was superbly tipped over by Madison.

'Stute missed a golden chance to get back into the tie on 72 minutes but Eddie McIntyre's drive from the twelve yards, after the visitors failed to clear their lines, flew well over Madison's bar.

McClements' through ball soon after released McCready, but with only Madison to beat his attempted chip, which had the keeper beaten trickled wide.

A McClements corner on 76 minutes found substitute Darren Harkin, but his close range header somehow flashed inches wide.

Institute: Wilson, McClements, Crown, Smith, Nicell; McIntyre, McClean, McShane, Smyth; McCready, Divin. Subs: Lynch for Smith (H-T); Faulkner & Harkin for Nicell & Smyth (63); Deane & Beattie (not used).

Portstewart: Madison, Todd, J Peden, Ramsey, R Tosh, Gaston, O Peden, Friel, R Neill, B Tosh, Nicholl. Subs: Parsons for Friel (58); K Neill for R Neill (69); Henegan for Gaston (77); Taylor (not used).

Referee: Mr Paddy McFadden (Londonderry).