IRISH LEAGUE: Gallagher getting better and better each week

Institute goalkeeper Marty Gallagher continues to excel this season.
Institute goalkeeper Martin Gallagher.Institute goalkeeper Martin Gallagher.
Institute goalkeeper Martin Gallagher.

Although he didn’t keep a clean-sheet at Loughgall, he played his part at both ends of the pitch at Lakeview Park, on Saturday.

The 26-year-old’s quick thinking started the build-up for Stephen Curry’s first goal, while in the closing stages he made a tremendous save to deny Andy Devlin scoring an equaliser.

Boss Kevin Deery concedes the net-minder continues to come up trumps.

“There’s no doubt in my mind since I have come in as manager, Marty as a character and a goalkeeper has been first class,” he said.

“I keep using the word character but he has come out of his shell and is brilliant amongst the players. He has started to demand things of himself and the players, which is great.

“Look the best players in the world all work hard and I know we are at a far lower level, but if you put in the work, which Marty has done, then you see he gets his rewards.

“Last year he was probably a wee bit stop start with Michael Lynch in the side and it was a wee bit of a strange situation for him, because he was in and then he was out, but this year as a man he has stepped up to the mark and he’s a goalkeeper who is ready to challenge for titles and cups.

“Look you need a good goalkeeper to challenge for trophies and at the minute he’s playing really well for us.”

Deery also admits that the appointment of Ally Pomeroy as goalkeeping coach, has helped Gallagher.

“Ally works really well with him and that can only benefit him,” he added.

“We try to implement Marty into most sessions, but it’s hard, because we are a possession based team and we put on a lot of those sort of drills, so it’s hard to involve your goalkeepers.

“But Ally has went away and worked really hard with him. Sometimes Marty complains as they have been really tough sessions but it’s really benefitting him and long may it continue.”

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