UNDER-PAR HARPS GO DOWN IN ATHLONE

May 12, 2006

Athlone Town …………1

Finn Harps……………..0

Chris Mc Nulty reports from St Mel's Park

A goal from Robbie Hamm after 10 minutes was enough for Athlone Town to take victory over Finn Harps on Friday night last on what could be the Ballybofey club's last ever visit to St Mel's Park.

When Harps make their next trip to the midlands venue, they will, more than likely, be playing at Athlone's new stadium which is due to open in a couple of months' time.

In truth, Harps never looked threatening and they must improve their performance levels for their next two home games this week against Monaghan United and Kildare County.

In the closing stages of the contest, when Harps had thrown Shane Bradley forward, Harps looked like the team that had the goal lead and not the team chasing the game as they passed about at their leisure without any real urgency.

Indeed, when Harps did show urgency it was at the wrong stages, with frees being knocked quick when maybe they should have been left as Shane Bradley and Marc Mokendi were making their way into the danger area.

Harps started Friday's game with a rather unfamiliar line-up, which contained three changes from that which had beaten Sligo Rovers on penalties in the league cup on Tuesday night.

James Gallagher returned in goal in place of Gavin Cullen; Gary Crossan was replaced on the right by Ryan Mc Gavigan, who is a natural left-sided player; and player-boss Anthony Gorman missed out due to flu and his place in the middle was filled by Sean Cooney.

The game started disastrously for the visitors as they fell a goal behind after just ten minutes of play.

Eric Lavine made ground down the left and passed Shane Bradley before squaring for Istvan Lakatos. His shot was blocked by James Gallagher but centre half Robbie Hamm was on hand to fire home.

After this, chances were at a premium at both ends. In the first period, David Bell and Ryan Mc Gavigan both had shots that were easily dealt with by Athlone 'keeper Robert Forde.

Davitt Walsh also did well to force an opening after a Stephen O Donnell pass, but his cross was too high for the awaiting parties.

This was as close as Harps came, as they struggled to break down the Athlone rearguard and were certainly missing the services of Chris Breen, Michael Funston and Barry Curran whose attacking play would have been an invaluable asset to Harps on Friday night.

At the other end, Colin Fortune had a couple of long range frees which made James Gallagher work for his money.

The former Galway man had one that was well held by Gallagher while another clipped the crossbar.

The second half commenced as the first half with Athlone having the better of the chances.
Istvan Lakatos fired wide from a good position early on as Athlone signalled their intent from the off.

Harps tried in vain to break down the Athlone defence as the midlanders held firm. Time and time again, Harps forays into the opposition half failed to end in as much as a chance, much to the consternation of the small travelling support in attendance.

Chris Malseed had a shot held by Forde while Sean Cooney blazed over when he should have hit the target from 20 yards.

After a goal-mouth scramble, substitute Gary Crossan had an effort blocked by former Harps man Ian Rossiter as Harps went in search of a means of salvaging something from the contest.
It wasn't to be however and ultimately Harps' lack of creativity going forward cost them and one has to hope for a quick return to action for the absent parties.
On this showing, they are badly missed.

Athlone Town : Robert Forde; Ian Rossiter, Michael Collins, Robbie Hamm, Jim Sheridan; Colin Fortune, Istvan Lakatos, Des Hope, Pauric Moran; Eric Lavine, Damien Rushe.

Finn Harps: James Gallagher; Eloka Asokhu, Jonathan Minnock, Marc Mokendi, Shane Bradley; Ryan Mc Gavigan (Gary Crossan), Sean Cooney, Chris Malseed, David Bell; Davitt Walsh, Stephen O Donnell.

Referee: Mark Gough (Limerick)