Great team performance as Slane U17s go through

Moneyslane U17s 3

SLANE U17s travelled to Cregagh Wanderers in the first round of the NI Boys Cup on Saturday and a good performance sent them into the next round.

They got off to the perfect start in this game taking the lead after just four minutes on the clock. From a free kick out on the left Gary Porter floated in a great ball and Matthew McKnight put the ball into the Cregagh net for the opening goal.

With nine minutes on the clock Slane could have had two more goals but for some wayward shooting. Again it was McKnight who made the keeper save with his first effort and the rebound sliced in off the post with his second.

Slane’s defence of Brian Davidson, Jordan Mitchell, Gary Porter and David Henry were coping well with anything Cregagh had to offer. Matthew Kerr had one of his easier afternoons with only a couple of shots to save, one of them coming of a Slane head.

On 19 minutes Jordan Fairley had a great shot saved by the Cregagh keeper. Johnny Adair was next to try his luck but the ball flew just wide of the up right.

It was much the same in the second-half with Slane having the lion’s share of possession.

With three minutes of the half gone Slane had a great shout for a penalty but the ref waved it away. Ally Fairley found himself it the Cregagh box and was downed only for the referee to say no penalty.

Two minutes later Ally was involved again. This time he floated in a free kick and Johnny Adair flicked the ball into the Cregagh net. This was just what Slane deserved.

With 12 minutes of the second half gone Slane put the game to bed. Ally was upended in the box and the referee gave the penalty. Up stepped brother Jordan who coolly slotted it to the keepers right and inside the post.

The manager made two changes with Graham Kelly replacing Brian Davidson at right back and Jordan McRoberts replacing Craig McInness at left midfield. Slane could have added more only for the crossbar and some great saves by the Cregagh keeper. Matthew and Jamie both hitting the crossbar with two great free kicks. Jamie twice and Matt made the Cregagh keeper pull of three great saves. On came William Martin for Johnny Adair and made an instant impact by nearly bagging two goals but once again the Cregagh keeper kept them out.

Man of The Match was impossible to choose as everyone played their part in the game. The whole team deserved it. This was the first run out for their new kit sponsored by Cut Both Ways and The Look of Rathfriland. Thanks to Anya, Shauna, Rachelle and Aisling for their kind generosity.