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Finn Harps FC 1 - 3 Bohemians
Chris McNulty reports from Finn Park
16th July 2005

Sorry Finn Harps were condemned to their third straight defeat as Gareth Farrelly’s Bohemians quite easily disposed of the home side in Saturday night’s game in Finn Park.

It was a former fan’s favourite who was the architect of Harps’ demise – former captain Fergal Harkin scoring twice in the three-one victory on his return to the Finn side venue.

The first of these came with just seven minutes gone on the watch. Although Gavin Cullen got a touch to Harkin’s effort, the Buncrana net-minder couldn’t stop his fellow Inishowen native’s shot finding its’ way to the back of the net.

After a shaky opening, Harps began to find some rhythm and were rewarded when the found the equalising score on seventeen minutes. Kevin Mc Hugh’s initial effort was blocked but the ball came back to the Killea man, whose first time volley sailed over Matt Gregg into the net.

Dominic Foley was causing all sorts of problems for the home side and only for Gavin Cullen, having yet another good evening at the office the score could have been embarrassing at half time.

Kevin McHugh

As it was however, the sides went in level at the break, but just a minute after the restart, Bohs got back in front. Eloka Asoku’s challenge on Grant was adjudged to have been unfair and a penalty was awarded with Foley smashing the spot kick past Cullen. After this, Harps seemed to just give up fight and they could offer nothing in the way of creativity in what was a really frustrating match for the supporters to watch.

Following a spirited performance in the North West derby the previous week, many frequenters to Finn Park felt that Saturday’s match would offer a good chance to register points on the board, but alas it wasn’t to be and when Fergal Harkin struck his second on 72 minutes it was game, set and match Bohemians. The Ballyliffen man cut I from the left and his spectacular shot flew into Cullen’s top corner.

With Shamrock Rovers and struggling Waterford failing to win Harps supporters could draw some comfort, but the harsh reality is that unless the performances improve significantly, Finn Harps could well be playing first division football again next season.

Next up is a tricky away tie against cup holders Longford Town before champions Shelbourne come to Ballybofey - it really doesn’t get any easier.