Irish cup adventure continues for ‘Stute

Irish Cup Round 6  |   Institute vs. Ards

Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium   |   Saturday, 3pm

Institute face Ards for the second time in eight days as they head back into the Irish Cup this weekend.

In three games between the teams this season already, there have been 14 goals shared between the sides, with last Saturday’s league game the latest in a series of thrilling encounters. Kevin Deery’s side won 3-2 at Clandeboye Park back in October before repeating the trick at the Brandywell in December.

It looked as if Ards had finally got their revenge as they led 2-1 leading into the last minute in Saturday’s game, only for Mikhail Kennedy to score a late penalty to save his team a point.

‘Stute remain top of the NIFL Championship as a result, and in a good position to challenge for promotion. In the past few weeks, there have been countless changes at the club, and one of those to leave was captain Ryan Morrow, who has work commitments in Denmark.

As disappointed as he is not to see the season out, he is confident that the team can go the whole way in the league.

“From when we were in during pre-season, you could see the squad we were putting together,” he said. “I didn’t think we would be far away, but I didn’t think we would be up at the top of the league, but definitely in the top four. The fact that they are at the top just shows the squad that Kevin and Mo are putting together and I think they will only get better due to the recent signings.

“Deerso asked us in one of the team talks at the start of the season what was unique about us and everyone was silent, they didn’t know what to say, but the answer was how close we all lived to each other. Other teams such as Portadown have players from all over the country, so I think that plays a big part too. It’s like a family and that runs through the staff as well as the players, which I think helps a lot.”

While the Irish Cup will be the sole focus this weekend, a lot of big games lie ahead for ‘Stute ahead of the split, and Morrow, who knows what it takes to win the Championship having won it with the Blues in 2017, believes the key attribute to any promotion challenge is focus.

“Going back to past experience, when we won it the last time, it was just the fact of staying in and around there come Christmas, and if you do that, it’s just about taking each game as they come and just keep ticking them off,” he explained.

“When you are at the top, everyone is trying to catch you and get something off you, so it’s just about keeping level-headed and making sure you don’t slip up because you know if you do slip up, other teams will be ready to take advantage.”

Institute's Ryan Morrow prepares to clear this ball. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

There are several teams with the exact same ambitions as ‘Stute in a competitive Championship, with Ballyclare Comrades, Portadown, Bangor and Dundela all within a handful of points of each other. But Morrow is in no doubt that his now former team mates can go all the way.

“Of course, especially with the recent signings they made, the likes of Danny Lafferty, Mikhail Kennedy and Shane McGinty, who are all experienced players,” he said. “I think they can only get stronger. Even when we were winning games and playing well, you always felt there was another gear or two to go up, and with these signings now, I think they definitely will.”

Departures

There have been significant departures from ‘Stute this week, the most notable of which was Kirk McLaughlin, who returned to Glentoran after his loan spell ended. McLaughlin played a huge part in ‘Stute’s season to date, scoring 12 goals in all competitions.

Another to leave the club is midfielder Mark Mbuli, who has returned to Finn Harps on a permanent deal. Mbuli started the season brilliantly, scoring three goals in the first two game. Others to leave the club this week are: Bryan Uzoukwu, Paddy McLaughlin, Alex Machado, Alonzo Clarke and Bradley Callaghan.