Peter Hutton encouraged as Institute stretch winning run against Warrenpoint Town

​Warrenpoint had netted six goals past Moyola in their previous league outing, so 'Stute boss Hutton was preparing for a difficult test of his team's defensive resolve.

However, 'Stute gained an early advantage when experienced Warrenpoint 'keeper Daniel Devine received a straight red card for a challenge outside the penalty area just two minutes into the match.

The home side took full advantage two minutes later as Stephen Doherty fired a free-kick past the substitute keeper, Harry Rainey. And three minutes before the half-time interval 'Stute were in full control as Padraig Lynch headed in a second.

'Stute saw the second half out without incident and although Hutton felt his team became slightly 'complacent' and 'sloppy' after the break, he's encouraged by their recent improvement.

After progressing to the North West Senior Cup semi-final with a victory over Newbuildings, 'Stute have notched up league wins on the road against Rathfriland Rangers and Armagh City before Saturday's impressive home win over Warrenpoint.

They've scored nine goals in their past three league fixtures and registered two clean sheets. Hutton described his team as 'a work in progress'.

"We're obviously delighted to get the three points," said Hutton. "We knew coming into the game it was going to be a very tough game.

"I think Warrenpoint has really improved its squad over the close season, particularly in the final third.

"So we were expecting a tough game. Their keeper getting sent off certainly helped us and it had a big impact on the game, there's no denying that but again, I thought we managed the game fairly well.

"In the second half I think we became a wee bit complacent, a bit sloppy but overall I felt we thoroughly deserved the three points.

"It's four wins in a row but we're still improving."

With players returning from injury including long-term absentee Sean O'Kane and several new additions integrating into the squad, Hutton is happy with the competition for places in all areas of his team.

"There are still a few players looking to get to know each other and work in different units and getting a better understanding of how we play and stuff.

"That takes time. It doesn't happen overnight but we're getting there. We're a work in progress.

"They (new signings) all bring something different to the squad and what we need more than anything is competition for places and we have that very much all around the pitch at the moment.

"We are also getting one or two players back who were injured. It was great to see Sean O'Kane back there.

"He's been out since last October so it was great for him to get a few minutes today as well."

It was a fourth league win of the season for seventh placed 'Stute who travel to take on second placed Annagh United who are just four points above them in the table.