Peden pounces late to earn a fine win for Moneyslane FC

They now sit 12 points behind leader Dungannon Tigers but with an astounding seven games in hand. More importantly, they are four behind Windmill Stars having played just one game less.

Neil Taylor was on target on Saturday before player/coach Darragh Peden netted a late winner.

Jonny Gibson was suspended while Johnny Kernaghan returning from injury and Neil Taylor who was unavailable last week were on the bench.

Craigavon City started the game slightly better with their three players in midfield seeing plenty of the ball but once the away team settled into the game they remained on top for the rest of the half.

A number of great chances came and went. Firstly Stevie Coulter just failed to connect with a near post header on 15 minutes, then skipper Gareth Bingham got on the end of a super Mark Ervine pass but with only the keeper to beat for 14 yards he side footed wide.

‘Slane had some neat play but too often the final ball was lacking or possession squandered to cheaply.

On 30 minutes Stevie Coulter suffered a reoccurrence of his calf injury and was replaced by Jonny Kernaghan,

Gregg Harrison got on the end of a Brian Quilty flick on 35 minutes, but the striker fired high and wide.

The away team got off to a bad start in the second half when on 50 minutes a speculative shot from 25 yards somehow squirmed under ‘Slane keeper Stevie White.

The away team then created three good shooting chances but all three were blasted high and wide.

‘Slane were on top but the home team still carried a threat on the break so the game was on a knife edge.

On 70 minutes the home team had a chance to extend their lead by Stevie White saved really well.

There was a double substitution and a change of shape on 75 minutes as Gareth Bingham and Ally Quinn making way for Adam Stewart and Neil Taylor.

Mark Ervine moved up front with Brian Quilty dropping into midfield. Gregg Harrison saw a shot deflected just wide, Brian Quilty shot at the keeper and Mark Ervine forced wide.

‘Slane stayed patient and kept trying to get the ball into wide areas and get crosses in and eventually got their reward. On 85 minutes a Johnny Kernaghan corner was headed home by Neil Taylor from 8 yards out.

It got better for the away team when on 89 minutes another excellent corner delivery by Johnny Kernaghan was headed home at the back post by Darragh Peden to give ‘Slane a deserved three points.

MONEYSLANE: Stevie White, Michael Ferguson, Ally Quinn, Ryan Shilliday, Darragh Peden, Mark Ervine, Gareth Bingham, Gregg Harrsion, Brian Quilty and Gareth Rees.

Subs: Adam Stewart, Johnny Kernaghan and Neil Taylor.