Fergie fires Slane into second successive Alan Wilson final

They reached their second successive final by seeing off Tullyvallen 2-1 on Saturday, Gareth Rees and Michael Ferguson with the goals.

In the last league meeting, Slane had thumped the same opponents 9-0 at Jubilee Park but Tullyvallen are a different proposition at home. Darragh Peden took the team in the absence of boss David Johnstone and he was assisted by Matthew Newell.

In blustery conditions, it was a cagey opening. Mark Ervine missed a great chance to put Slane ahead just failing to convert from only four yards out. Gareth Rees was having a good lively game.

On 30 minutes, the away team did get ahead when skipper Gareth Bingham won possession in midfield. Mark Ervine then played a great pass releasing Gregg Harrison down the right and after beating two defenders he set up Rees who fired home.

However, soon after, the game was level when from a Slane free-kick, Tullyvallen broke and after good passing, the ball was slammed home giving Stevie White no chance

The game remained competitive with Slane probably on top but not displaying any cutting edge.

Tullyvallen were working hard and the game was scrappy although the conditions played their part also. As the game headed into the final 20 minutes, Stevie Coulter came on for Ervine and Michael Ferguson came on for Rees.

And with eight minutes to go, substitute Fergie scored what proved to be the winner. Stevie Coulter swung in a free-kick and Michael Ferguson directed a glancing header past the keeper from eight yards to send Slane to another final.

On a disappointing note, Johnny Kernaghan dislocated his shoulder and the players wish him well.

SLANE: White, Quinn, Taylor, Shilliday, Peden, Bingham, Stewart, Rees, Kernaghan, Harrison. Subs: Ferguson, Coulter, Quilty