Institute started brightly in attempt to shake off their Irish Cup hangover when Sean Friars came close with a free-kick from the edge of the area while, a little later, Philip Lowry headed straight at 'keeper Alan Blayney.

For United Kevin Kelbie came closest on 24 minutes only to fire wide from a Neil Teggart pass.

The deadlock was finally broken on 58 minutes when Cushley gave 'Stute keeper Alan Ryan no chance with a well executed 20-yard left-foot drive.

His joy was tempered, though, ten minutes from time when he picked up his second booking of the game for a challenge on David Ogilby.

And Ogilby himself received his marching orders eight minutes after that when he too collected his second yellow card following a foul on Michael Smith.