Slane make history but lose in cup tie

They were playing in round two of the Irish Cup against Amateur Premier League leaders Nortel and they didn’t look out of place against the much fancied City outfit.

Slane were caught out early in the game and gifted the home side a goal in the fifth minute when their striker nipped in at the front post to head past the stranded Neil Johnston.

Moore and Lockhart were linking well through the middle of the park and as the game started to intensify.

Weir played to Lockhart and he dinked inside his marker but had his shot charged down.

On the half hour the home side took advantage of another lapse of concentration in Slane‘s defence and again it was a header at the near post that beat Johnston.

Slane upped the tempo and were playing the better football in the final quarter of the half, Gibson watched his effort go wide of the mark.

Stevie Adair replaced Gibson and Mark Anderson and Ally Quinn both entered the field.

Slane were up for the challenge and were playing some neat one touch football from the back. McKee had an effort go over the bar and Lockhart and Ervine both hit free kicks from the edge of the box over the top.

Kerr was strong at the back, playing alongside Mark Ervine who was winning the aerial balls. Whitten was tirelessly trying to probe and opening through the strong Nortel back four who were all working very hard. Gareth Bingham hit wide from distance and Nortel saw the game out.

Overall a good second half from Slane against a strong Belfast outfit and man of the match for Slane was Thomas Lockhart. Slane can hold their heads up high after this performance.