Harps keep hopes alive with vital win May 28, 2007
Following Friday night's damaging two-nil defeat to Cobh Ramblers that brought to an end the recent unbeaten spell, Harps boss Paul Hegarty made three changes for Monday's visit to the Farney County. Stephen Parkhouse and Barry Curran were preferred to Seamus Brown and Chris Breen while Tony Shields returned from suspension and he took the place of John O'Loughlin, meaning Shaun McGowan kept his place in the side as a result of a solid showing against Cobh. The visitors had the bulk of the opportunities in the first period, but they yet again found it hard to make the killer breakthrough as the end product was again a long way short of what one would hope for. Stephen Parkhouse was unlucky to see Rouse save with his legs after he
was on the end of a fine move involving Tony Shields and Conor
Gethins. After receiving possession, he neatly turned his man and got
a crunching shot away, but big Rouse - who was the bane of Harps'
lives in the first game between the sides earlier in the season - made In injury time, Conor Gethins did well to beat Paul Whelan to Barry Curran's cross, but after spinning onto the left boot, he watched his shot strike the butt of Alvin Rouse's post and Stephen Parkhouse had his follow up blocked by a Monaghan defender. Mick Cooke's men almost broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. The ever-dangerous Robbie Farrell was narrowly wide of the target after cutting in from the left flank. It was as close as Monaghan had went though and Harps were in front sixteen minutes from time when substitute Breen latched onto Conor Gethins' cross and drove a finely struck right footed volley into the far corner. It was a great way for the young Stranorlar man to cap off his 100th appearance in Harps colours, but unfortunately he won't get a chance to add to his tally for at least 12months after this Friday's game with Limerick 37 as he heads off to Australia for a spell. Harps could, and should have added a second soon after. Conor Gethins' persistancy took him inside a couple of Monaghan defenders and he smartly squared for Stephen Parkhouse, who had the goal gaping at his mercy. Unbelievably, the big Derryman's effort came off the woodwork before being cleared to safety. With just two minutes remaining, the game was put beyond the reach of the home side when Parkhouse did get on the scoresheet. Shaun Holmes' superb delivery was met by the ex-Limavady United man and he expertly directed his header past the reach of the agile Rouse. It sealed what was an important win for Harps and they must now get three points from this Friday's home game with Limerick if they are to seriously consider making a tilt for the play-offs. Finn Harps: James Gallagher; Sean Roddy, Jonathan Minnock, Declan Boyle, Eloka Asokhu; Tony Shields, Barry Curran, Shaun McGowan, Shaun Holmes; Stephen Parkhouse, Conor Gethins. Subs: Chris Breen (for Curran, 66mins); John O'Loughlin (for Gethins, 80mins) Monaghan United: Alvin Rouse; Thomas Heffernan, Kevin Williamson, Paul Whelan, Barry Burke; Stephen Feeney, Ian McCluskey, Brian Cannon, Cian Mackey; Robbie Farrell, Darren Meenan. Subs: Willie Doyle (for Heffernan, 56mins); Finbar Heffernan (for McCluskey, 85mins). Referee: Hugo Whoriskey
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