IFA Championship One: Institute full of confidence ahead the visit of Larne

Insitute are hoping to get their Championship One league campaign off and running this afternoon when they face Larne at the Riverside Stadium (kick off 3.00pm).

Following defeats to HW Welders, Loughgall and early pacesetters Annagh United, Kevin Deery’s side are languishing the foot of the Championship, desperate to get off the mark this season.

But following Tuesday’s convincing League Cup victory over Sport & Leisure, confidence has returned to the ‘Stute players and the manager believes they are now ready to kick on.

“If we exclude the Limavady game, our performances have been quite similar only this time we were more clinical,” said Deery (pictured).

“I see the effort the boys are putting in and their commitment has never been in doubt.

“We stayed really positive and we had a heart to heart which we needed but to a man against Sport and Leisure we were very clinical and we looked very dangerous.”

Most pleasing for Deery was that his strike pairing of Garbhan Friel and Paul Smith shared all five goals between them, giving them a boost of confidence before this weekend’s fixture against Larne.

“You can see what they can bring to the table,” he continued. “They just needed a wee bit of luck in front of goal and hopefully now we can get into a rhythm. It will be a tough challenge against Larne on Saturday but I’m glad the boys got the nice feeling of winning because it hasn’t been easy.”

Another player who is making his mark at ‘Stute is young midfielder Ciaron Harkin, who made his debut on Tuesday night.

The former Derry City player has settled quickly at ‘Stute and Deery is expecting big things.

“I thought he was excellent,” he said. “He gives us something different. He’s very lightly made up but s you seen, he doesn’t shy away from a tackle. He’s very energetic and tenacious and he’s a different outlet. There might be one or two things we can still get done.

“I know the transfer window has closed but there’s things that might be possible which we’re looking at and hopefully we can add some more quality to the squad.”