Hutton expecting tough test when Ballinamallard United arrive for first home game

Institute manager Peter Hutton is expecting another tough early season test when Ballinamallard United are the visitors to The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Tuesday night (k.o. 7.45pm).

Hutton's men got their season off to a winning start thanks to Padraig Lynch's first half goal in Friday's north west derby against Strabane Athletic at the Limavady Showgrounds.

Institute FC manager Peter Hutton and his backroom team including (second from left) former Cliftonville and Glenavon boss Paddy McLaughlin. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

placeholder image — Institute FC manager Peter Hutton and his backroom team including (second from left) former Cliftonville and Glenavon boss Paddy McLaughlin. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

The 'Mallards meanwhile started with a 1-0 at home defeat against Newry City and Hutton is expecting Mark Stafford's team to arrive in Derry with a point to prove.

"It is literally game by game," replied Hutton when asked what targets he's set for the new season, "We have a quick turnaround for Tuesday night again and it is going to be a tough game against Ballinamallard. They are very hard to break down as well, as well organised team under Mark Stafford.

Goalmouth action from the Strabane Athletic v Institute in Boylesport Championship at Limavady Showgrounds. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

"As you can see, Strabane have invested heavily in their squad, as have the others team that have come up, even Newry and Moyola and that; never mind the likes of Annagh United, Welders and teams like that.

"So it's a very difficult league and to get a win on the first day, we are delighted with that. Performance wise, we know we can improve, but it was three points."

Looking back on Friday's narrow victory, Hutton said his team deserved their win which he felt should have been more comprehensive, especially after Strabane lost Callum Doherty to a second booking after the interval.

"I think we dominated large parts of it," explained Hutton, "I think we deserved it. Realistically we probably should have won by a lot more. I think young 'Farmer' (Michael Lynch) in nets for Strabane will never have another game like that," he laughed, "He pulled off some saves, particularly in the first half but once Strabane went down to 10 men in the second half, we knew it was going to be a bit frantic and that.

"It's very hard sometimes to play against 10 men and we let ourselves down at times in that we didn't keep the ball well enough in the second half I thought. But again, I thought we thoroughly deserved the win, I'm just a bit disappointed that we didn't win by a bit more."