Slane make it 12 wins out of 13 in Intermediate B

Michael Ferguson, Stephen Coulter, Johnny Kernaghan and Jonny Gibson got the goals, much to relief of manager David Johnstone.

“Oxford Sunnyside are always hard to get past at home and with the added excitement of the Strictly Dancing I was concerned some of the players may be distracted,” he said.

“The players were well focused and once we got in front I didn’t think the result was in doubt. Adam Stewart had a strong first half and Michael Ferguson produced an energetic performance in a right midfield role. A third clean sheet in a row shows the defence played well.

“That’s half way in the league campaign and with 12 wins in the 13 games played and I give the players huge credit for a phenomenal return of 36 out of a possible 39 points. From last season we have won 32 out of 34 games played in Mid Ulster football averaging over five goals a game and that is an astounding achievement.”

With a full squad available, DJ decided to make some changes with Harrison, who was carrying a knock, and Kernaghan dropping to the bench and Adam Stewart and Ally Quinn coming in.

The breakthrough came midway through the half when Ferguson, playing right midfield, burst on to a through ball, outpaced the last defender and slotted past the keeper form an acute angle.

Soon after, good work from Brian Quilty on the right saw the striker jink past two defenders and his cross was met by Stevie Coulter who headed home from 10 yards.

Early in the second half Gareth Bingham came on for the injured Taylor and immediately was involved in some good attacking moves down the left.

With 20 minutes to go, Jonny Gibson came on for Adam Stewart and Johnny Kernaghan for Gareth Rees. Moments later it was 3-0 when Bingham saw his shot saved but Kernaghan was alive to the rebound and fired home.

The rout was complete when Gibson hit a 25 yard shot on the half volley that fizzed over the keeper’s head and in.

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