Slane down title rivals with last gasp winner

Two ahead at the break, they looked home and dry but 10 man Rangers got back to 2-2 on 85 minutes only for substitute Roger Downey to nick the points on 89 minutes.

Boss David Johnston was a happy man at the final whistle: “All credit to the players tonight for digging out a result. We were good in first half and deserved to be ahead but Valley really put us under pressure in the second.

“The players never stopped and although it was fantastic to snatch the winner at the death. A special mention to the 3 subs tonight Quinn, Weir and Downey as all 3 made telling contributions.”

Moneyslane FC travelled to local rivals Valley Rangers for an eagerly awaited contest. Chris Kerr returned from suspension but out went Harrison (holiday) and both Ferguson and Quilty due to work commitments.

A large home crowd cheered on Valley Rangers but it was the away team that settled quickest and in the opening minutes some good balls behind the home defence caused problems.

It was Moneyslane who opened the scoring through a great passing move from the back. Boyd played it up to Jason Fairley and Ervine slipped through Jordan Fairley and the young striker picked his spot in the bottom corner.

Blevins produced a superb save from distance before the away team extended their lead. Again a great interchange of passes saw Ervine play in Brown who coolly fired past the keeper. Valley Raners piled on the pressure before half-time but the Slane defence held firm.

The home team came out with nothing to lose and soon had Moneyslane on the back foot with some good passing and link play in midfield.

A number of good chances went begging before a Rangers player made a rash challenge on Steen, earning a second yellow card. Kerr came off injured for Quinn and Weir came on for the injured Jordan Fairley.

However, it was the home team that continued to make the running as Slane seemed unable to keep the ball let alone mount an attack.

Roger Downey came on for the tiring Jason Fairley on 70 minutes but 10 man Rangers worked some space and scored. A chance was blazed over while another hit the bar before a great run and finish on 85 minutes from the Valley number 10 looked to have stolen an unlikely point.

However, Slane didn’t give up that easily and they collected all three points in the 89th minute when a Brown cross was powerfully headed home by Downey.