'Stute hit rock bottom

INSTITUTE'S troubled Carling Premiership campaign suffered another blow on Tuesday night at Shamrock Park as Portadown registered a 3-1 success.

To compound matters Lisburn Distillery continued their impressive recent form to leap frog 'Stute and move off the foot of the table, following their comfortable 3-0 victory over fellow strugglers Newry City.

The visitors worked hard to remain in contention and managed to recover from one deficit before displaying impressive spirit in search of a second equaliser.

However, two goals by Kevin Braniff in the second half served to send Institute towards another league defeat.

The game featured one penalty appeal by Institute which was dismissed, plus the loss of Kevin Ramsey after just 37 minutes, on a night of frustration in Portadown.

Richard Lecky joined the match as an early substitute following injury to Jordan Baker and caused Institute a string of problems.

'Stute managed to survive a dangerous Owen Morrison cross as Lecky, Gary McCutcheon and Braniff failed to connect from inside the area.

However, the opening goal was scored on 21 minutes when Braniff slipped a pass to Morrison as Institute prepared for a free-kick strike and the first-time cross left the visitors on the back foot - with Lecky moving forward to head home.

Portadown may have dominated possession but Institute posed a threat in periods, with a strong run from deep by Ramsey one highlight before Keith O'Hara stepped in to block the path to goal.

The equaliser was scored three minutes later thanks to a Ramsey knockdown and scrambled effort by the supporting Tony Shields which dropped over the line off the body of Portadown goalkeeper, David Miskelly.

A mistake by Gavin Cullen almost handed Portadown a golden opportunity to move back on top in the second half but the resolute David Ogilby stepped in to clear the danger.

The goalkeeper was unable to stop Braniff from making it 2-1 on 55 minutes with a crisp drive from inside the area following good play between Morrison and O'Hara.

Cullen bounced back from his earlier error with two impressive moments - first to deny Johnny Topley's header at the base of his left-hand post before displaying strong hands to push away a dangerous Sean Mackle cross.

John Gregg's side continued to battle and enjoy periods in possession without posing a significant threat.

Portadown wrapped up the points right at the death with a Braniff header from Topley's cross.

Portadown: Miskelly, O'Hara, Redman, Clarke, Kelly, Braniff, McCutcheon, Baker, Hunter, Morrison, Topley. Subs: Lecky for Baker (2); Mackle for Morrison (64); McCluskey for Lecky (89); Haire & Armstrong (not used).

Institute: Cullen, Crown, McLaughlin, Ogilby, Seydak; Divin, McClean, Shields, Holmes; Ramsey, McCready. Subs: Friars for Ramsey (37); McClements for McCready (85); McFadden, Blackburn & Ryan (not used).

Referee: Ray Hetherington (Dungannon).