Seconds kick-off on new pitch in style

Tullyvallen Seconds 3

MONEYSLANE Reserves played their second league game of the season at Rathfriland High School on the newly refurbished pitch.

In the end it was a great outcome at the final whistle with Ian Johnstone’s men taking all three points of a resolute Tullyvallen outfit.

This was the Reserves’ first home league match and the passion, drive and tough tackling had returned. The team performed admirably all over the pitch and their high fitness levels and commitment in the match bore testament to their pre-season matches and training which will continue to remain at a high level all season.

Moneyslane started off very sluggishly at the start of the match and a simple cross into the box wasn’t dealt with by the home defence. The Tullyvallen striker slammed the ball home from a tight angle.

The Slane started to come into the match after this initial setback and the midfield of Hanna, Hamilton and Weir worked tirelessly hunting in packs when not in possession and their hard work paid off when Darren Trimble chipped the keeper from long range to bring the sides in at half time 1-1.

Once again minutes into the second half Tullyvallen took advantage of some poor defending to go 2-1 ahead, and this time the Slane team was stirred into action and totally dominated the second 45 minutes. Trimble scored an exquisite second chipping the keeper from a full 25 yards.

Jason Gibson was having a free run in right midfield and the aging Tullyvallen defence was tortured with his driving runs.

After another surging run from Gibson Jnr when he was scythed down 20 yards from goal, Mark Anderson - returning to the club after a few months out with injury - stepped up to curl the ball superbly into the top corner.

Gibson Jnr then got the goal that his effort and undoubted skill deserved when after another driving run he slotted confidently passed the away keeper.

Gibson Snr made several telling and well timed tackles in the latter stages of the match although Tullyvallen pulled a goal back just on the final whistle but Moneyslane ran out deserved winners 4-3 at the end.

Man of the match was shared between Darren Trimble a natural goal scorer, cool and clinical in front of goals and Gibson Jnr one of a few gems who were on show who have been nurtured through the Moneyslane Youth Academy and their pride and passion for the club was plain to see.

Thanks go to the referee Brian Ervine who ably controlled the game.

Moneyslane: Nigel Fry, Mark Gibson, William Thompson, David Cromie, Neil Gamble, Jason Gibson, Richard Hanna, Gareth Hamilton, Ryan Weir, Mark Anderson, Darren Trimble. Used Subs: Jonathan Adair, Gary Megaw.