Strathroy Harps beat depleated Slane side

Moneyslane 0

MONEYSLANE Firsts travelled to Omagh on Saturday for their first pre-season game of the season against Strathroy Harps.

This was a very evenly contested game and the Harps were a very well organised team. They put together some good passes together early on but Slane were matching them for endeavour and commitment.

Slane only had three first team players on show who won the cup final in May. Gareth Hamilton was drafted into goals for the day. In defence Chris McConville, Andy Rowan, new signing Johnny O'Neill and Neil Gamble were holding their own.

The midfield of Ally Fairley, Neil Bingham, Mark Ervine and Jason Fairley were keeping the ball well and trying to open up Harps at every opportunity. Up front Glen Moffett and Kyle Scott were working tirelessly but getting no joy from a strong Harps defence.

Harps took the lead on 20 minutes with a bullet of a goal which left Hamilton with no chance as it flew into the top corner.

Slane then pushed Harps back and won a corner. From the corner Mark Ervine saw his header float just wide.

Just as Slane were pushing to get an equaliser Harps caught them on the break. The ball was played over the two centre backs, the referee ignored the offside calls and the Harps striker slotted the ball into the net.

This was a cruel blow for Slane who were playing very well. Just before half time Slane got another corner and again Mark Ervine saw his header saved by the keeper.

At the start of the second half Slane lost a third goal after there was a mix up in defence and the keeper gifted the Harps striker a third.

Credit must go to Slane as they never gave up. On came Matthew McKnight and this gave the team a second wind.

Slane were now causing Harps lots of problems. Johnny made a great run then found Ervine who's shot was saved by the keeper. Then just as Ervine was about to shoot the ref blew his whistle for offside.

Two more subs came on, Matthew Kernaghan and another signing from the Premier League, David McCullough. Matthew McKnight played in a pin point pass to Ervine who lobbed the advancing keeper only to see his shot just go over the cross bar.

Slane were now the strongest team and it was Ervine who rounded the keeper only to see his effort hit the side netting. The last action came from Slane. Ervine again found himself one on one with the keeper only for his shot to hit the crossbar. But for some better luck Slane could have had a draw at the end.

This was a great first game for Slane and with eight first team regulars away and the season should look good for Slane. It was a great opener for the lads who in the last 15 minutes were the stronger team. Training seems to be paying off even at this early stage.

Johnny O'Neill who was outstanding on the day and he will be a great asset to Slane this season with his experience from playing intermediate football at Hanover. Man of the Match was a close call between Johnny O'Neill and Neil Bingham but Johnny just edged him out.

Team: Gareth Hamilton, Chris McConville, Andy Rowan, Neil Gamble, Ally Fairley, Mark Ervine, Neill Bingham, Jason Fairley, Glen Moffett, Kyle Scott, Matthew McKnight, Matthew Kernaghan and David McCullough.