Good second half display keeps Reserves at top of the league

Slane started brightly and Jordan Fairly had the first attempt but his shot went over the top. The visitors had made a few changes to the team lineout from the previous week with a strengthened side especially in the middle of the park and it took a good strong hand from the Slane keeper Robbie Strain to deny them when he tipped a goal bound shot over the bar.

Neil Bingham threaded the ball through to the feet of Mark Anderson and he turned sharply and hit first time, the Gilford keeper saved well pushing the ball around the post for a corner. The corner was swung into the back post where Davy Cromie rose the highest only to see his header bounce back of the post and the danger was cleared. Mark Jardine made a mistake at the left back for Slane and the striker lobbed in a great effort however Strain finger tipped it off the bar as the visitors pushed Slane deep into their own half.

With four minutes from the break Slane conceded when the ball wasn’t properly cleared and the big centre forward hammered into the net for the opener.

Disaster for Slane right on the blow when they conceded a second goal which gave Strain no chance, a thunder bolt from the edge of the box into the roof of the net.

Slane came out more positive in the second half and pushed forward to claw their way back into the game, Ryan McVeigh replaced the injured Neil Wilson and Gareth Hamilton was pushed into midfield.

Ten minutes in Slane were rewarded for their pressure, Neil Hanna found the feet of Jonny Adair who played it to Anderson who swivelled and fired a wonder goal into the top corner of the net leaving the Gilford keeper rooted to the ground.

Slane were pushing forward at every given opportunity and on the hour the game was level, Ryan McVeigh ran the flank and squared to Jordan fairly who neatly disposed his effort wide of the keeper and in off the post. 2-2

Fairley was threaded through on goal by Gareth McDowell but his effort was clipped wide of the target. Ethan Scott entered the fray for Jonny Adair as Slane pushed for the winner. Both Anderson and Fairley had shots well held by the keeper.

Overall a good second half performance by Slane and a well earned point that keeps Slane in the hunt at the top of League in Reserve Three.