Six of the best for Moneyslane as Nesbitt nabs a hat-trick

They hit Seagoe for six in Banbridge with Ritchie Nesbitt bagging a hat-trick, John Whitten netting twice and Mark Ervine also getting himself on the score-sheet.

Fairley came in at left-back and Adair was brought into the line-up up front in the only changes to the team who had beaten Lurgan Town.

After an even start, the home team began to get on top in midfield but were not creating too many chances.

Midway through the half, an Adair corner was headed home by Nesbitt. Soon after, Adair scooped the ball over the top with the goal at his mercy following a mistake by the Seagoe keeper.

The second-half continued much as the first with Moneyslane enjoying good possession but Seagoe always looked lively on the break.

Ervine came on for Adair in order to give a more physical presence up front. The home team extended the lead when Whitten drove home from just inside the box.

Davenport came on for Weir and Anderson came on for Gracey. Seagoe forced Blevins into two fine saves with a header that was tipped round the post and a looping shot was palmed over.

As the game entered the last 20 minutes, the home team’s fitness started to tell and Nesbitt fired home a superb left foot shot from the edge of the box.

Soon after, Ervine’s header from a corner was well saved but the strike slammed home the rebound. The home team was now well on top and when Anderson was brought down for a penalty, Nesbitt stepped up to complete his hat-trick.

Just before the final-whistle, Whitten scored direct form a corner.

Manager David Johnston was delighted with his side’s victory, in particular his forwards’ prowess in front of goal:

“It was a comprehensive victory and fair play to the players as they were so clinical in the second half,” he said.

“What quality finishing from Ritchie Nesbitt and Jason Fairley had an impressive game as well. However, I thought Chris Kerr was our man of the match with an excellent performance at the back.

“It’s another three good points in the bag and we move on to Richill at Crystal Park on Tuesday night at 6.30pm.”

MONEYSLANE: Blevins, Weir, Fairley, Kerr, Shilliday, Gracey, Nesbitt, Bingham, Whitten, Adair & Harrison.

Sub: Davenport, Anderson, Ervine, Rowland.