Slane in seventh heaven with fine home win

Captain Gareth Bingham scored two for Moneyslane on Saturday. INBL1511-259PB

Jonny Gibson, Johnny Kernaghan and Brian Quilty were unavailable but Jordan Fairley was brought into the starting line up.

It wasn’t long into the game when Michael Ferguson gave the home team the lead when he volleyed home at the back post.

Soon after Jordan Fairley swept the ball home and the same player headed home following a great run and cross from Gregg Harrison to make it 3-0.

A lapse in concentration in defence was pounced upon by a visiting striker and he thumped the ball past Stevie White to pull a goal back.

Just before half time, however, the three goal cushion was restored when Gareth Bingham crashed home off the crossbar.

The second half got underway with the realisation that the next goal would be the 100th league goal this season.

Darragh Peden and Jordan Fairley came off for David Boyd and Gareth Rees. After some chances Mark Ervine broke down the right and his pin point cross was met by club skipper Gareth Bingham who headed home.

Not long after Gareth Rees cut in from the right wing and scored into the bottom corner.

Adam Stewart came on for Stevie Coulter. The scoring was complete when Ally Quinn was brought down in the box and the same player tucked his penalty away to make it 7-1.

Manager David Johnstone commented: “It was great to get back playing again so soon after the disappointing result on Wednesday night.

“It was imperative that we got back to winning ways and the players were focused on just that.

“I felt we played well today and were confident to knock the ball about and create openings. Ally Quinn had a really good game at right back, Michael Ferguson influenced the game well from right midfield and Stevie Coulter produced an energetic display.

“It was also good to see young Jordan Fairley among the goals. We now require just a win and a draw to be promoted but thoughts will now turn to Tuesday night and the big game against Valley Rangers.

“Valley are having an impressive season in Intermediate A so we are clear underdogs.

“We are under no pressure so we can try to put on a performance for the fans,” he said.

SLANE: Stevie White, Ally Quinn, Neil Taylor, Ryan Shilliday, Darragh Peden, Gareth Bingham, Stevie Coulter, Michael Ferguson, Mark Ervine, Jordan Fairley, Gregg Harrison.

Subs: Gareth Rees, David Boyd, Adam Stewart.