Nesbitt hat-trick fires Slane Res to win

With a significant points gap between the sides, the Swifts Res were in search of the points to reduce the deficit.

It was the Slane who started the brightest though, scoring when Gareth Wilson’s corner was headed in by new recruit Richie Nesbitt.

Rathfriland needed an instant reply and found it five minutes later from a set piece of their own. Conan Power delivered well to the clever front post run of Lee Mackin and his back heel flick was a touch of sheer class.

Moneyslane took the advantage again ten minutes later, the route similar to their first. A well delivered corner was again headed home by the in-form Nesbitt.

In the remainder of the first-half, chances for both sides were limited to breakaways. A far post cross was just above Lee Mackin while at the other end, Moneyslane’s Flash saw a chip well saved by the impressive Trainor. The half-time whistle sounded with a narrow lead in favour of the home side.

The second half picked up where the first finished with strong battling in midfield. However, the game turned five minutes into the second period when Rathfriland’s Lee Mackin was sent off.

The dismissal swung the game fully into the home side’s favour and they took full advantage. They scored their third five minutes later as Richie Adamson slotted home and Nesbitt completed his hat-trick ten minutes later, dispatching a strong strike from the edge of the area.

Rathfriland then got a late consolation. Good approach play saw Daryl O’Reilly cut down in the box and the referee pointed to the spot. Miceal Quinn stepped up and struck a ferocious spot-kick in off the underside of the bar.

The Swifts Reserves take on Silverwood Reserves on Saturday in the O’Hara Cup, while Slane Reserves face Seagoe Reserves in the league (kick-off 2pm).