‘Slane maul tigers with ‘fantastic performance’

‘Slane looked to continue their fine league form at home to 2nd place Dungannon Tigers.

The home team were without Neil Taylor and Jonny Gibson but welcomed back Brian Quilty and Mark Ervine. Club stalwart Nigel Fry stood in for the suspended Stephen White in nets.

‘Slane with the winds to their backs started well, forcing the away team to defend deep.

It was ‘Slane who took an early lead when Johnny Kernaghan cut in from the right wing and curled a beauty into the top corner.

Soon after the second arrived when Brian Quilty received a throw just inside the box and he turned his marker and expertly placed the ball out of the keeper’s reach and into the far bottom corner.

Dunganon Tigers hit back when from a corner the ball fell to an attacker who volleyed home from 14 yards.

‘Slane scored again in fortuitous circumstances when a Darragh Peden clearance bounced in the box and with Gregg Harrison bearing down the keeper misjudged and the ball landed in the net.

A great Johnny Kernaghan corner saw Rithie Nesbitt find the bottom corner with a diving header. It got better for ‘Slane when a slick passing move down the left was side footed home by the skipper Gareth Bingham.

Dungannon Tigers scored when a free kick from 20 yards found the top corner to make it 5-2.

Moments later the home team extinguished any glimmer of hope that Tigers goal may have created when Gregg Harisson was put through and although the keeper made a great save from the ‘Slane top scorer, Jordan Fairley was on hand to fire into the empty net from 18 yards.

Dungannon threw men forward but the home defence, with Darragh Peden his usual dominant self, stood firm.

David Johnstone said: “Another fantastic performance from the players and they deserve the credit.

“We were clinical and that is pleasing. Being 5-1 up at the break meant we didn’t need to take risks so we just concentrated on defending and in the end, despite being under pressure at times, we were comfortable.

“Great to see club stalwart Nigel Fry in nets and he played well. Darragh Peden put in a master class of defending into the wind in the second half.

“The players are hungry at present and playing with confidence, so hopefully we can keep this run going.”

Team: Nigel Fry, Stevie Coulter, Ally Quinn, Ryan Shilliay, Darragh Peden, Gareth Bingham, Ritchie Nesbitt, Brian Quilty, Gregg Harrison, Gareth Rees And Johnny Kernaghan.

Subs: Mark Ervine, David Boyd, Jordan Fairley & Justin Hanna.