Institute hoping to play their 'Ards' right today

Ards vs. Institute

Today, 3pm

The Lough 41 Championship is proving to be very unforgiving for Institute who are almost back to square one ahead of their trip to Ards this afternoon.

November has been a largely profitable month for Brian Donaghey and his players who win three league games in a row, including that record equalling 8-1 win over Knockbreda at the Brandywell. On the back of those three wins, ‘Stute broke into the top six for the first time this season and headed to Ballyclare last weekend hoping that they may even better that and head into the top five. But a goal from Conal Curran just nine minutes from time meant another away defeat for ‘Stute and ended their fine run in the process. To add insult to injury, the defeat sent them right back down to eighth place in the Championship, a frustrating turn of events for manager Donaghey.

"Look we had chances and we unfortunately didn’t take them but sometimes if you aren’t going to win games, then you do everything to definitely not lose it,” he said.

"That was the only downside to an otherwise productive day, but hopefully we’ll learn from the Ballyclare game, but I feel we’re getting there.”

Making matters worse for the ‘Stute boss was losing three players to injury at Dixon Park last week, meaning he may have to make some changes for the trip to Ards this weekend.

"We had to take our full-back (Matthew Walker) and two midfielders (Mark McFadden and Andrew Whiteside) off at Ballyclare, so we have to reassess how they are, but if they are out it just gives other people opportunities,” he said. “Dylan King is also out because of suspension, but I have full faith in the squad.”

‘Stute already have a victory over Ards in the bank this season, as goals from Cathair Friel and Cormac Burke earned them a 2-0 victory at the Brandywell back in October. Victories on the road have been few and far between this season with wins at Dergview and Newington a poor return for their efforts on the road, but Donaghey knows that on their day, his team can give anyone in the league a good game. Victory at Ards today could even send ‘Stute back into the top six, depending on results elsewhere in an increasingly unpredictable division.

“Everyone knows there’s no easy games in our division and you even look at the results last weekend with bottom side Dergview beating leaders Loughgall and Newington beating Dundela last Friday night,” he continued.

"Ards had a big win at Warrenpoint, but they were playing against nine men for all of the second half,” admitted the ’Stute manager.

"Even the week before when they played Ballyclare, I spoke to their manager Stephen Small after the game last weekend about that game and they too had a man sent-off and that match finished 3-3.”