Slane out to sink Richhill and retain Alan Wilson Cup

They’re off to Armagh FC’s Holm Park to take on Richhill in their second successive Alan Wilson Cup final.

Slane, of course, won the trophy last year with a 1-0 final victory over Bourneview Mill.

That was the club’s first ever intermediate trophy and now boss David Johnstone wants to make sure it stays at Jubilee Park, for the supporters, for the players and for the committee.

“This is one for the fans,” he began “It’s a thank-you for all their support and a chance to give them a good day out.

“Getting promotion is great but nothing beats a bit of silverware.

“When you finish your career as a player, that’s what counts when it comes to achievements. It’s also a measure of where you are as a club and it would great to give this back to Moneyslane.

“The committee have all worked very hard over the years so we want to get this win for them.

“It would be the icing on the cake after a great season if we could get our hands on the cup.”

Moneyslane are likely to face the final with last year’s goal-scoring hero Jonny Kernaghan stuck to the bench.

He returned last weekend from a dislocated shoulder that had kept him out for five weeks.

Kernaghan is likely feature at Seagoe tonight (Tuesday) in the Intermediate B match but is unlikely to be fit enough for a starting spot at Holm Park.

Also a doubt is Darragh Peden as Slane’s hectic fixture list takes its toll on the squad.

By the time Slane take to the pitch on Friday, they will have played nine games in a month. That run has already taken its toll as Slane lost successive matches last week, something that is unheard of in recent years.

One of those defeats was to cup final opponents Richhill, who ran out 5-2 winners at their own pitch.

“It was a disappointing week but promotion was done and dusted and with the final coming up, we took the opportunity to rest a few players,” said DJ.

“When we went to Richhill, we had Nigel Fry doing nets. He hasn’t done goalkeeper for over a year and we have a few other boys missing.

“Richhill are one of the stronger teams in the league though. They’re very hard to beat and they knocked out Windmill Stars in the semi-final. We have to respect that and we’ll be taking nothing for granted.

“It’s their first final in 12 years so it’s a big opportunity for them. We’re trying to drill that into our players. Other teams raise their game against Moneyslane and that’s something we have to adapt to.

“There are no favourites in a final.”