Deeney completes his transfer to the Riverside since departing Midland League Premier Division club Basford United.

Announcing the new addition, Institute chairman Keith McElhinney said:

“Saul Deeney is a good player with a lot of experience, and as a committee we’re delighted to welcome him to the club.

“Hopefully it won’t be long before he makes his debut and I’m sure he will play a massive role in our end of season performances.”

Hume played an important role in the 5-1 win that secures the Sky Blues a place in the 6th round.

‘Stute are playing on the back of a 2-1 loss to Portadown last Monday, and are looking to break a 12-game run without a win, while Loughgall were beaten 1-0 by PSNI in their previous encounter, and currently lie in 12th position in Championship 1.

The tie kicks off at 3pm, and we will be providing updates on Facebook and Twitter.

Changes saw Martin Gallagher return in nets, while flu-stricken Cormac Burke and Stephen Curry were dropped for Matty Young and Ronan Doherty.

Play began quietly, with little action for the first 10 minutes. Instead, Glentoran kept possession and passed nicely around the large pitch.

This paid off on 11 minutes when Jordan Stewart’s low cross found David Scullion unmarked in the box with the ‘Stute defence caught sleeping.

Scullion couldn’t believe his luck as he latched onto the cross, and he had very little to do as he poked the ball past helpless Gallagher.

The Glens continued their domination of the game and threatened again when Willie Garrett fired a free-kick just over the bar from 25 yards.

On 28 minutes a miskick from Gallagher fell to Barry Holland who shot from range, but this initial effort was blocked by Stephen O’Donnell.

However O’Donnell couldn’t prevent the ball from then bouncing straight to the feet of Danny McKee who blasted his gift into the empty goal.

38 minutes in and things got worse for the visitors when their injury list increased by one more as Dean Curry went off for Mark Forker.

Glentoran had a chance to score again as McKee burst through clear on goal, but he lost his balance after taking the ball around Gallagher.

The half concluded at 2-0, with the highlight of the first 45 minutes being Glentoran’s Arsenal-esque passing across the wide Oval surface.

HT: Glentoran 2-0 Institute

Institute returned after the break looking livelier and rejuvenated, leaving many to believe that this one may have proven to be a game of two halves.

In the first few minutes ‘Stute forward Robbie Hume made a run into the box through the left flank, but his cross into the box was cleared away.

This revival was short-lived though and on 54 minutes Glentoran made it 3-0, virtually seeing off any hopes that ‘Stute would claw their way back.

Jordan Stewart tapped in the third after Martin Gallagher mistimed his punch of the ball with it hitting the woodwork before falling perfectly to Stewart.

Glentoran challenged again as ‘Stute cleared the ball only as far as Niall Henderson who struck from distance, but his shot was well saved by Gallagher.

The Sky Blues pulled one back on 63 minutes when Robbie Hume floated a free-kick over the head of Elliot Morris from 30 yards out.

For the most part, the second half of this game could’ve been mistaken for a ping-pong match as the ball was knocked from end to end.

Eddie Patterson tactically adjusted his team as he sought to hold out with the lead, taking off Stewart for Fra McCaffrey on 78 minutes.

Paul Kee’s shuffle saw Ben Doherty and Jamie McIntyre enter the fray, and the two youngsters had an impact on Institute’s attacking flow.

With 10 minutes left McIntrye created a good chance for himself as he pulled the ball into the middle and shot narrowly wide with a low drive.

Once more the Sky Blues wouldn’t challenge for long as on 82 minutes Scullion got his second goal, chipping Gallagher as it went in off the crossbar.

In familiar fashion ‘Stute kept fighting until the end, but on this occasion they weren’t able to get anything in return as it finished 4-1 to the Glens.

FT: Glentoran 4-1 Institute

Institute: Martin Gallagher, Paddy McLaughlin, Stephen O’Donnell, Dean Curry (38′), Graham Crown, Aaron Walsh, Declan McKeever (73′), Matty Young, Robbie Hume, Paul McVeigh (73′), Ronan Doherty.

Subs: Jamie McIntyre (73′), Ben Doherty (73′), Mark Forker (38′), Cormac Burke, Eugene Ferry.

Glentoran: Elliot Morris, Willie Garrett, Marcus Kane, David Scullion, Jordan Stewart (78′), Niall Henderson (64′), Stephen McAlorum, Johnny Addis, Stevie Gordon, Danny McKee, Barry Holland.

Subs: Fra McCaffrey (78′), Calum Birney, Kym Nelson (64′), Steven McCullough, Aaron Hogg.

The tie is being described as a “six-pointer” and Paul Kee’s team will be eager to win against a side that they beat 1-0 in their last encounter.

Kick-off is at 3pm and the committee would like to encourage a big turnout.

The former Newbuildings United defender put in a good shift despite the defeat, and he has secured a regular place for himself in Paul Kee’s starting line-up in recent weeks.

Both of today’s teams had been struggling to find form, with Institute failing to win in 8, while the visitors had managed just 1 win in 12.

Those statistics did much to raise expectations heading into the game, each manager undoubtedly desperate to grab the three points on offer.

Early on it looked as if it was going to be Paul Kee’s afternoon when his team took the lead through a deflected finish from Robbie Hume on the edge of the area on the back of an assist from Lee Toland’s free-kick.

Things almost became even better for ‘Stute when Hume found himself in space again after being played through by Paul McVeigh but the outrushing Ballymena goalkeeper got to the ball first to clear it away.

Ballymena threatened when Darren Boyce managed to win possession from defender Stephen O’Donnell to break through on goal, but his shot past net-minded Martin Gallagher was headed over by captain Paddy McLaughlin.

Institute composed themselves and initiated a period of nice passing, Paul Kee’s tactics coming to light, however nothing came of their chances.

This wastefulness cost ‘Stute when on 24 minutes Ballymena, against the run of play, managed to score, Gawley’s corner poorly defended by Gallagher and Dean Curry, and centre-back David Munster was able to knock the ball into the top hand corner from well inside the box.

Things then went from bad to worse for Institute as referee Keith Kennedy controversially awarded United with a penalty, and Alan Teggart made no mistake from the spot.

The remainder of the first half faded away without a bang, with neither team able to break the other, and it finished with the scoreline locked at 2-1 to the visitors.

HT – Institute 1-2 Ballymena Utd

The second stage of the game was largely an uneventful one as each team failed to increase the game’s tally, and Institute had to accept defeat despite their best efforts.

It began poorly for the home side when the ill-stricken Martin Gallagher was forced to go off for loanee goalkeeper Eugene Ferry on 45 minutes.

The second half play was labelled as “scrappy” and “ugly” by onlookers, and in an attempt to freshen things up Kee took off defender McLaughlin for attacker Ronan Doherty.

This did little to improve his team’s performance, and the only note-worthy opportunity fell to Ballymena when Allan Jenkins burst in through the Stute defence, but his low, drilled shot towards Ferry’s bottom corner was well saved by the keeper.

A positive for the Sky Blues was their determination to keep fighting until the very end, but unfortunately their efforts were not repaid, as they pressed but could not outdo Ballymena.

The footballing battle was a stalemated one and the minutes ticked on with the second half remaining goalless, and the overall tie remaining at 2-1 to Ballymena.

This marks an important win for Glenn Ferguson and his team, while ‘Stute have to continue to work for a victory against Warrenpoint Town on Boxing Day.

FT – Institute 1-2 Ballymena Utd

After the game, Institute Manager Paul Kee said:

“In the first half we didn’t do enough, we scored a well-worked corner but we didn’t match their aggression or their direct play, they were first to the ball and were quicker to the ball. We were hesitant, and we let them come into the game.”

“The effort is there, we were good in the second half. We knew that they had played on Tuesday night and thought they would tire, but we didn’t do enough. We threw on some young players at the end which wasn’t fair on them, but it wasn’t enough.”

“They didn’t have to do a lot to win today, and we didn’t do enough. We have to work through this, it’s difficult, and it’s all about time and procedure, trying to get everyone right on the pitch and in training, and to get the mentality right – that’s the nature of the Premiership.”

“We have Forker and Scoltock missing, and we don’t have a lot of players to choose from in general, we need a striker but the players aren’t there so we have to work with some of our younger players at the minute. I’m out there looking for new additions.”

Institute: Marty Gallagher (45’), Stephen O’Donnell, Paddy McLaughlin (60’), Dean Curry, Graham Crown, Aaron Walsh, Stephen Curry, Lee Toland, Robbie Hume (74’), Paul McVeigh, Cormac Burke.

Subs: Eugene Ferry (45’), Ronan Doherty (60’), Jamie McIntyre (74’), Matty Young, Declan McKeever.

Ballymena: Stuart Addis, Tony Kane, David Munster, Johnny Taylor, Stephen McBride, Neal Gawley, Mark Surgeoner, Allan Jenkins, Alan Teggart (90’), Darren Boyce (87’), Matthew Tipton (67’)

Subs: Eoin Kane (90′), Mark McCullagh (87′), Matthew Ferguson (67′), Michael Ruddy, Matthew Shevlin.

Referee: Keith Kennedy (Lisburn)
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This article is sponsored by Sooty Olive Restaurant, Spencer Road, Derry/Londonderry.
© Intellectual property of Tom McBride, City Connect Media and Communications.

‘Stute had regained form before this match in 1-1 draws against Crusaders and Glenavon, while the Reds lost 2-0 versus Coleraine last week.

Paul Kee’s team stayed mainly unchanged, Martin Gallagher remaining in nets ahead of Eugene Ferry, but departing Stephen O’Flynn missed out.

Cliftonville quickly threatened when after 3 minutes Gormley broke free ahead of Stephen O’Donnell, but his attempted lob was misfired wide.

The scoreline opened on 5 minutes when Martin Donnelly’s pass found Jay Donnelly who fired into the bottom corner from the edge of the area.

Institute could’ve been further behind when a long pass by Martin Donnelly found Gormley in space, but the frontman’s shot hit the woodwork.

The Sky Blues had a hopeful opportunity when Cormac Burke launched at Conor Devlin’s top corner from range, but the keeper made a good save.

Next Gallagher was called into action as Jay Donnelly found himself free before goal, and the net-minder got down well to stop his low shot.

Paul McVeigh was lively for ‘Stute in attack, but things became more difficult for the visitors when Declan McKeever exited with an injury.

Institute had a lucky escape when the ball rebounded to Gormley inside the box after he forced an initial save, but the forward struck wide.

HT: Cliftonville 1-0 Institute

As the second half began it was immediately clear that the home team were going to take the driving seat, despite Institute’s best attempts.

Tomás Cosgrove and Ryan Catney threatened when they linked up inside the box, but Graham Crown ended the threat with a last ditch challenge.

The second half deadlock was broken after 10 minutes, Davy McDaid assisted Gormley who slotted the ball perfectly into bottom, right corner.

Joe Gormley was played into the penalty area again, this time by Martin Donnelly, however his shot was scuffed and dragged wide of the post.

Cliftonville continued to press, George McMullan laying off Jay Donnelly for a shot, but it was well held by out-stretched Martin Gallagher.

Gallagher couldn’t prevent the next chance though as Gormley, met by Ronan Scannell’s pass, blasted into the bottom corner after 60 minutes.

7 minutes later the scoreline was extended by another goal, Gormley converting a carbon copy of his last finish, assisted by Tomás Cosgrove.

‘Stute didn’t give up, and Aaron Walsh slotted Stephen Curry into the box on 75 minutes, but Devlin pushed Curry’s strike over the crossbar.

Substitute Ronan Doherty created a threat late on, the midfielder’s shot was saved and cleared off the line, before a follow up was blocked.

This result hasn’t changed the league standings of either team as they rest in 2nd and 10th place, but the gap at the bottom remains narrow.

FT: Cliftonville 4-0 Institute

After the game, Institute First Team Coach Brian Donaghey said:

“When you come to the home of the champions you don’t expect it to be easy, but they didn’t have to work as hard for the goals as they should have today.”

“These are the places you have to come to and stand up but we didn’t threaten their goal as often as we should have, and we just didn’t have the cutting edge.”

“They have the likes of Joe Gormley and you can see why he’s the leading goalscorer, he’s lethal and goals change games, and I think it was one of those games.”

“We’ll dust ourselves down and get at it again, now we are looking forward to next Saturday against Ballymena and to Boxing Day against Warrenpoint.”

Cliftonville: Conor Devlin, Jaimie McGovern, Ronan Scannell, Johnny Flynn (calf strain 64′), David McDaid (70′), Martin Donnelly, Ryan Catney, Jude Winchester (75′), Joe Gormley, Jay Donnelly, Tomás Cosgrove

Subs: James Knowles (75′), Eamonn Seydak (70′), Martin Murray, George McMullan, Tiarnan Mulvenna (64′)

Institute: Martin Gallagher, Paddy McLaughlin, Stephen O’Donnell, Dean Curry, Graham Crown, Declan McKeever (31′), Aaron Walsh, Cormac Burke, Stephen Curry, Paul McVeigh, Robbie Hume (64′)

Subs: Mark Scoltock, Eugene Ferry, Lee Toland (31′), Mark Forker, Ronan Doherty (64′)

Referee: Raymond Hetherington (Dungannon)
___________________________________________________________________________________________________

This article is sponsored by W & J Chambers, Drumahoe, County Derry/Londonderry.
© Intellectual property of Tom McBride, City Connect Media and Communications.

Marty has been in good form since coming into the first team as number one and this was highlighted in his performance in goals against the Glens.

In the opening stages neither team could beak the other, with goal scoring opportunities being continually cut short by the opposing defences.

Kevin Braniff and Ciaran Caldwell threatened for Glenavon when on 37 minutes Caldwell’s cross found Braniff, but his header edged just wide.

Paul Kee’s men started to create chances as things progressed, firstly Stephen Curry hit the side-net with a strike from well inside the box.

In quick succession Robbie Hume and Curry broke free two-on-one, but Hume’s attempted pass towards Curry was blocked out by William Murphy.

Despite each outfit coming close to finishing as the first half approached a close, no one could break the deadlock and it concluded at 0-0.

HT: Glenavon 0-0 Institute

As the second half kicked off in an icy Mourneview Park, the match was about to liven up with ‘Stute and the Glens both searching for a win.

On 55 minutes Institute won a free-kick on the edge of the area, well within shooting range, after Stephen O’Flynn was taken down illegally.

O’Flynn, club top goalscorer, then stood up to take the resulting set-piece, firing it into the bottom, left corner of Alan Blayney’s goal.

After grabbing the goal, the Drumahoe men looked set to hold out, and this was helped when James Singleton was sent off after two bookings.

However, in the closing stages of the game Glens Player-Manager Gary Hamilton came on and grabbed an equaliser despite suspicions of offside.

The game then faded out in spite of late efforts, and this result marks another good performance by ‘Stute following last week’s Crues draw.

FT: Glenavon 1-1 Institute

Glenavon: Blayney, Marshall, Murphy, Lindsay, Singleton, McGrory, Caldwell, McCabe, Neill (Hamilton 75), Braniff, Bradley.

Institute: Gallagher, O’Donnell, McLaughlin, D. Curry, Young (McVeigh 62), Crown, Walsh, McKeever (Toland 75), S. Curry, O’Flynn, Hume.

Referee: Mr Evan Boyce (Ballygowan).