Institute: Title-chasing Crusaders next up at the Riverside

Institute manager Paul Kee will be working hard on the training pitch to defend set-pieces.
Experienced defender Paddy McLaughlin could be back for this weekends game against Crusaders. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/PresseyeExperienced defender Paddy McLaughlin could be back for this weekends game against Crusaders. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye
Experienced defender Paddy McLaughlin could be back for this weekends game against Crusaders. Picture by Lorcan Doherty/Presseye

The Waterside men, who entertain Danske Bank Premiership high flying Crusaders this Saturday (KO 3pm), have conceded ten goals from set-pieces this campaign.

And this weekend’s opponents are a side who have scored a number of times from corner kicks and free-kicks with the likes of Jordan Owens and Colin Coates in particular dangerous in the air.

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“We need to start getting our head on the ball whenever it comes into our box,” said Kee.

“We have been conceding too many goals and that’s a concern but I was told before the season started by another Premiership manager that we would concede a lot of goals from set-pieces and he isn’t far wrong.

“We just have to make sure that we stay with our men and do our jobs by putting our head in where it hurts.”

When the sides met earlier in the season at Seaview, in September, Stute put up a good display narrowly losing 3-2 with that man Owens heading home the winner late on.

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Another man who shone that night, in fact he has shone throughout the season is winger Paul Heatley, he helped himself to a brace that evening and he too will be a danger man, along with fellow winger Gavin Whyte.

In recent weeks the deadly duo has been amongst the goals, in fact they both scored in their 3-0 win over Coleraine last Friday evening.

Stephen Baxter’s side travel to the Drumahoe unbeaten in their last five league outings and they will be looking to maintain their challenge for top spot with another victory.

As for Stute they have lost their last four games, but Kee will be hoping his side can build on their performance at the Oval last weekend.

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“Crusaders are challenging for top spot and we know that we’ll have to raise our game, but there were encouraging signs at Glentoran last Saturday,” he added.

“Although we lost at the Oval, we played well and created chances, so hopefully our luck will change this weekend.”

Kee also confirmed that Aaron Walsh and Paddy McLaughlin should be available for selection; the skipper is likely to play against Crusaders Reserves tonight at the Riverside Stadium (KO 7.45pm).

However the much sought after striker Stephen O’Flynn continues to struggle with a muscle injury and still remains doubtful.

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