WALSH HITS HAT-TRICK AS HARPS GET FIRST HOME WIN May 16, 2006 Finn Harps……………4 Monaghan United…….1 Chris Mc Nulty reports from Finn Park Young Davitt Walsh was the hero of the night for Finn Harps at Finn Park last night as Anthony Gorman's men defeated Monaghan United four-one to record their first home win of the season in the league. In truth, Harps were never in danger of losing this one, despite letting Monaghan back into the clash, when Alan Mc Nevin fired home a penalty on 75 minutes. James Gallagher also saved a penalty for Harps in the closing stages as Harps picked up a vital three points. Monaghan came to Finn Park on the back of a disastrous 6-2 defeat to Galway United on Friday while Harps themselves entered the game also on the back of a defeat to Athlone Town. Harps made one change from that which had suffered defeat in St Mel's with Michael Funston replacing Ryan Mc Gavigan in the starting line up. The Bonagee man is due to go for an operation on a knee injury in the coming weeks, but he was deemed fit enough to commence proceedings in the heart of the midfield alongside Sean Cooney. Harps were out of the blocks quickest and led as early as the first minute when Sean Cooney played in Davitt Walsh and the young Fanad man took one touch before firing low past Tadhg Murphy on 51 seconds. After this, Harps had chances to double the advantage, but they would have to wait until 35 minutes before finding a second breakthrough. Stephen O Donnell's ball in from the right was met perfectly by the head of Davitt Walsh, who expertly guided his header into the far corner. Chris Malseed volleyed wide and Marc Mokendi had a shot blocked after a goalmouth scramble as Harps looked like adding number three. The half time interval came and went with Harps still two to the good and they went in for the half-time refreshments in upbeat mood. Ten minutes after the re-start, the game was over as a contest when Harps hit for a third time. They were awarded a free kick 25 yards from goal and up stepped Jonathan Minnock to fire home a left footed effort past Murphy. The Monaghan goalie can count himself somewhat unlucky as he got a hand to the Convoy man's effort, but was powerless to stop it ending up in the back of the net. This was the number 3's second goal of the season. Earlier in the season, he scored the equaliser direct from a throw in against Galway United. Monaghan did have their chances to get back into it though. Robbie Smyth fired wastefully wide with Paul Smyth lurking inside, while Kevin Cronin shaved the crossbar with a free-kick. On 75 minutes, Monaghan got a consolation goal, when they were awarded a penalty after David Bell's foul on Robbie Smyth. Substitute Alan Mc Nevin confidently stepped up to send James Gallagher the wrong way with a well taken spot-kick. With eight minutes remaining, Davitt Walsh popped up for his first hat-trick in the blue and white when he made no mistake after being played one-on-one with the 'keeper. Harps could have had more, with Malseed heading close to the keeper and Breen firing wide from a good position, before Monaghan were awarded penalty number two on 90 minutes. However, Alan Mc Nevin's poorly struck effort was kept out by James Gallagher and with that Harps' first home win of the season was secured. Next up is Saturday's league encounter with Kildare County where three points is again the requirement.
Monaghan United: Tadhg Murphy; Jim Murphy, Eddie Keyes, Paul Whelan, Barry Burke; Ciaran Friel (Alan Mc Nevin 68), Stephen Finnegan, Shane Harte, Kevin Cronin; David Lee (Robbie Smyth 62), Paul Smyth.
Referee: Richie Winter
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