By 
Institute ……………………………………….3
Strabane Athletic ………………………….1
THE first competitive fixture of the season saw Strabane Athletic bow out of the North West Senior Cup following defeat to Bluefin Sport Championship outfit Institute at the Brandywell on Tuesday evening.
An even first half saw both teams have goals disallowed but it was Stute who led at the break, after a low cross from the byline was controlled and clinically dispatched by striker Alex Pomeroy.
Strabane who were probably worthy of parity at the interval set about restoring it with some determined and stylish football at the beginning of the second half.
Their equaliser reflected this when a great run and perfect through ball from right-back Michael Doherty received the finish it deserved courtesy of Aodhan Doherty’s precise shot into the corner of the net.
Honours even and Strabane were in with a big chance of providing a shock however a hotly-disputed penalty converted by Burke, restored the Waterside club’s lead.
Institute now presented a formidable rearguard and with pace in attack were a threat on the break. Strabane worked hard but succumbed to a third goal on the stroke of full time, when another cut back from the byline was dispatched from close range by Aaron McGurk.
Defeat for Athletic but great pride can be taken in the quality of their football and matching their higher grade opponents every step of the way.