Ex-Institute goalkeeper Michael Doherty picked up his first individual award when he was named the Northern Ireland Football Writers’ Player of the Month for October.
The Coleraine net-minder received the award after conceding only three goals in six games and helping his side through an unbeaten month, but he praised his defenders.
“I’ve put in a lot of hard work and had some extra coaching, but the boys in front of me are playing well,” said Doherty who was the start in the Bannsiders’ penalty shoot-out victory over H&W Welders in the League Cup.
And he admitted it wasn’t all down to luck. “I had inside info on the Welders penalty takers from their game against Glenavon so, fortunately I went the right way (and saved three kicks).”
The Limavady man received his Belleek award from NIFWA chairman Stephen Watson.