Institute boss, Paul Kee has warned his troops to guard against complacency when they face a potential ‘banana skin’ tie against Rathfriland Rangers in the Irish Cup fifth round at the Riverside Stadium tomorrow. (Kick-off 3 p.m.)
SIMON COLLINS reports
The Drumahoe men have been steadily building momentum in recent weeks with four straight victories in all three competitions they remain involved in.
However, they had to fight back from a 0-2 deficit to ensure a 3-2 win and their safe passage into the fourth round of the Intermediate Cup against Championship Two leaders, Knockbreda last weekend.
And while Kee doesn’t anticipate as difficult a challenge from Amateur League outfit, Rathfriland tomorrow, he expects his players to be at their best.
“I don’t think Rathfriland will be as good as Knockbreda with the greatest of respect,” said the ‘Stute boss.
“But we still have to apply ourselves in the right way because it’s a major competition and we have to guard against complacency and we cant be disrespectful. We have to get the win!
“The teams gathering a bit of momentum, the forms good and we’re showing a bit of character which is a good and a credit to the players.
“Last weekend it was a tight match, we got it put up to us in the first half and came out in the second and got three goals in a difficult pitch which was heavy. So it’s good for the team dynamic.”
While the concession of avoidable goals Scoring goals hasn’t been a problem for ‘Stute this season and they haven’t been overly reliant on just one player with the goals spread about the team.
That has been pleasing for Kee and he hopes his players can continue in that vain against the Banbridge men.
“We’ve averaged two goals a game in the league which isn’t a bad return,” said Kee. “We’ve got goals all over the team. We don’t have anybody in double figures, we’ve spread the goals around.
“The players have the ability to score goals and we’re not depending on one player. With Warner (Mullan), Michael McCrudden, (Stephen) Parkhouse, Darren McCauley and Darren Walsh, there’s plenty of goals in the team.
“We’ve got a healthy squad, competition in each position and young players coming through so it’s looking good at the minute,” concluded Kee.
Almost Done!
Registering with Derry Journal means you're ok with our terms and conditions.