CUP FEVER GRIPS MONEYSLANE

The club’s first team and U17s are both in finals this weekend and will be aiming to bring silverwear back to the village this Saturday.

The firsts travel to Armagh to lock horns with Ballymacash Rangers in the prestigious Alan Wilson Cup final.

Hundreds of Blue and White Army supporters will ascend descend on Holm Park for the clash with the Intermediate B League leaders from Lisburn for what will be a tough fought contest between two in-form teams.

There has been a buzz around the club since they beat Valley Rangers in the semi-final. Four 53-seater buses are to leave filled with supporters.

Slane were fortunate to get a bye in round one of the Cup and were up against Laurelvale in round two with an away tie - but the hosts didn’t mark out their pitch and the referee had to cancel the game before it even started.

Slane got justice and had the replay at Crystal Park. Two goals from Jason Gibson and one each from Andy Moore and Gareth Bingham sealed the win and set up a mouth watering tie at home against Valley Rangers in the semi-final.

Rangers, who are newcomers to the league, came into this game apprehensive as Slane had beaten them 4-0 in the previous league clash.

Valley were well on top in the first half of the semi-final and went into the break 1-0 up but Slane came out of the dressing room a much improved side and controlled the game. Goals from Jonny Whitten, John Davenport and Tommy Lockhart sealed a jubilant victory and the passage to another historical final.

This has been impressive year for the U17s, who will be playing in the Mid Ulster Shield decider. They got off to a good start winning their first four games and then hit a slow patch in the league but they have gradually improved as the season went on. Manager Michael O’Kane and coach Chris Chambers have been working hard with the young side on and off the pitch and have got this young crop of players playing well.

Slane came from behind in the semi final when they were 3-1 down with seven minutes to go against Markethill and stunned the visitors with two late goals to take the game into extra time. Slane scored three goals in the first five minutes of extra time and had the game in the bag and their place booked in the final.

This is the first final most of these lads have tasted in their Moneyslane youth career and all are very excited and can’t wait to get onto the pitch on final day.

There will be a massive support cheering on the players on the day and it promises to be a great weekend for both the U17s and the first senior team.

PEN PICS: SEE PAGE 45