Late equaliser means Thirds drop points

Saintfield Thirds 3

FOR the second time this season this fixture between the two teams ended in a draw, but Slane went away feeling it was two points lost instead of one gained considering the amount of chances they created.

It was Saintfield who had the first real chance to take the lead when their centre forward was clear on goal with just the Slane keeper, Brian Davidson, to beat but he stood up well and made a great save.

Then Jordan Fairley at the other end turned on the edge of the box and his shot came off the crossbar.

Saintfield opened the scoring when their corner kick was glanced to the back post and again their centre forward was onto it to drive into the bottom corner.

Slane responded again through Jordan Fairley who coolly stroked the ball in off the post.

The second half Slane still looked the better team and the two substitutes were instrumental in the next two goals that were scored.

Gareth Hamilton made an instant impacted up front and he broke the off side and ran clear of the Saints defence, coolly rounded the keeper, and with Gary Hanna in quick support squared it off to him to slot into the unguarded net.

Not long after he picked the ball up and pin pointed a pass over the head of the Saints defender for the other sub Ryan Weir whose great first touch was to flick it over the advancing keeper for himself to run onto and easily side foot into the net for a great goal.

This looked like the game was wrapped up but again Saints centre forward was brought down for a penalty that was well slotted in.

With Slane still 3-2 up and with little time left on the clock Saintfield got a free kick on the right hand side of the pitch and just inside the Slane half.

Their midfielder put his laces through the ball, it just sailed over everyone and into the net.