We deserved more than a point, says boss

"Before the game if I had been offered a point against Institute at their ground I would probably have taken it," he said, "but after having been the better side on the day, I felt that the 1-1 draw was two points lost rather than one gained.

"We were able to hold on to the ball much better than they were, and having taken the lead I was disappointed that we were unable to hold on to it. A year ago Institute were rubbing shoulders with the elite in the Premiership, but relegation inevitably meant the loss of key players, so, to be fair, they are not as strong as they were.

"We decided to take the game to them right from the start and the boys certainly did that. Our plans had to be changed when David Officer was sent off early on, when we changed to a 3-4-3 formation. New signing Craig Reid, in his first outing at Irish League level, started in his preferred position at right back, but was then moved into midfield and at half time we opted to replace him with Keith Armstrong.

"We were pleased to be able to give promising young striker Kevin Lynch a run-out when he and Ronnie Burns came on for Eddie Hill and Andy Simms in an attempt to force a win, but Institute held out.

"Once again we have no fixture this weekend, but on October 23 we look forward to entertaining Limavady United who have lost three times on the bounce," added Gordon, who will be back in the dugout after having completed his three-match suspension.