Defeat for Harps in first game

March 8, 2007

Dundalk……….3

Finn Harps…….2

 

Chris McNulty reports from Oriel Park

TEN-man Finn Harps fell to a heartbreaking defeat last night at Oriel Park last night as a last-minute winner from right-back John Flanagan secured maximum points for Dundalk from a tie that represented the commencement of the new eircom League of Ireland season.

Harps looked to have secured a point when Stephen Parkhouse prodded home Marc Brolly's corner in the 84th minute, but Flanagan popped up in the final minute of normal time to win it for the hosts.

A dangerous ball in from the left was sent into Harps territory and Flanagan rose highest to head past James Gallagher to send the 2,000 strong home support into raptures.

Paul Hegarty handed Harps debutes to no less than four players with Stephen Parkhouse, Tony Shields, John O'Loughlin and Gordon Simms all starting their first competitive fixtures while young Marc Brolly came off the bench for what was his first outing.

The visitors got off to the best possible start when the moved into the lead after only six minutes of play. A long throw in from Jonathan Minnock wasn't dealt with and quickest to react was Conor Gethins, who headed into the net, via Chris Bennion's crossbar.

Harps held the advantage at half-time, but their chances of holding on until the final whistle were made all the more difficult when Barry Curran was dismissed on 49minutes for collecting a second yellow card for a needless foul on David Crawley.

The home side moved back on level terms on 68minutes when new signing Shaun Williams cracked a goal-of-the-season contender past James Gallagher from outside the box and seconds later Harps almost regained control only for the woodwork to deny a Jonathan Minnock free-kick.

And, with eight minutes remaining on the clock, Philip Hughes capitalised on poor defending from Harps to edge Dundalk in front when he slotted past Gallagher from close range.

However, Stephen Parkhouse restored parity two minutes later and looked to have had the final say in the contest until John Flanagan's late winner gave the three points to the home side.

Harps will now look to get off the mark next Friday night when they host Shelbourne at Finn Park.

Dundalk: Chris Bennion; John Flanagan, David Crawley, Aidan Lynch, Ben Whelehan; Paul Marney, Keith Dunne, Cathal O'Connor, Shaun Williams; Trevor Vaughan, Philip Hughes. Subs: Anto Flood (for Vaughan, 56mins); Paul Smyth (for O'Connor, 64mins); Robbie Dunne (for Williams, 83mins).

Finn Harps: James Gallagher; Eloka Asokuh, Jonathan Minnock, Declan Boyle, Gordon Simms; Tony Shields, Barry Curran, John O'Loughlin, Chris Breen; Stephen Parkhouse, Conor Gethins. Subs: Michael Funston (for Gethins, 64mins); Marc Brolly (for Breen, 77mins); Seamus Browne (for Parkhouse, 86mins).

 

Referee: Neil Doyle ( Dublin).