Institute avoid automatic relegation with victory over Ballinamallard

Ballinamallard 0

Institute 1

Institute avoided automatic relegation from senior football with a hugely important victory at Ballinamallard today. 

Jamie Dunne's first half goal proved to be enough for 'Stute who finished in 11th place in the Lough 41 Championship after Knockbreda also lost 3-2 at H&W Welders. 

'Stute, with just three wins in 19 away games all season, badly needed the win with the club's senior status under severe threat  for the first time in almost 30 years. 

The club even made the decision to replace Brian Donaghey as manager with just one league game remaining, with Eddie Seydak taking charge in midweek.

Dunne's eighth league goal of the season came early in the game and was enough for 'Stute, although there were some scares throughout as Ballinamallard chased an equaliser. 

The home side thought they had levelled in the second half when Stafford put the ball in the net, but after consulting his assistant, the referee disallowed the goal. 

'Stute goalkeeper Dylan Doherty then came to his team's rescue with a brilliant save to deny McIlwaine, as 'Stute picked up only their sixth clean sheet of the season. 

'Stute could now be headed for a relegation play-off, depending on the outcome of Warrenpoint's appeal against the NIFL after the governing body denied them a license for next season.