- Stuart Connolly
- Wed, Apr 13 2016
St. Patrick's Athletic won their first match in three as they earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory in their re-scheduled trip to Finn Harps in Ballybofey.
Pats manager Liam Buckley made three changes from the team that drew with Sligo Rovers on Friday night, with Sean Hoare, Michael Barker and Conan Byrne stepping in.
Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan made one change, giving Sean Houston his first start since the opening day win over Derry City.
The away side nearly got off to the perfect start with Christy Fagan hitting a hard shot on the volley inside the opening minute, but Richard Brush did well to parry the shot which was then cleared by Keith Cowan.
St Pats had a few clear cut chances in the opening thirty minutes as they dominated proceedings but had an injury scare on the twenty-fifth minute as Darren Dennehy went down holding his thigh.
Manager Buckley explained after the match that the defender had only suffered a minor dead leg and would more than likely be fit for Friday's game against Wexford Youths.
On the half hour mark Michael Barker was brought down in the box by his opposite number Ethan Boyle but referee Ben Connolly was not interested.
This seemed to spur Finn Harps on, as did the vocal support. They created a number good chances before half time but with no success. David Scully and Billy Dennehy were booked in the last notable action of the first half.
Harps started the second half as they ended the first, creating chances, and they had their own penalty appeal turned down by Connolly.
The tides had definitely changed from the first half an hour of the game as Harps now looked more likely to score. Tony McNamee created a wonderful opportunity for the Hhme side with a great run outwide, but the resulting shot was just wide of the mark.
Shortly after the away side replaced Darren Dennehy as a precaution with Jason McGuinness, Ryan Curran saw a fantastic effort rattle the crossbar, and the home side continued to pressure the away goal.
But in the 69th minute, from a corner and against the run of play, Packie Mailey put through his own goal with Richard Brush off his line after missing the cross.
Not long after the goal Christy Fagan and Keith Cowan were booked for a bit of a scuffle.
Harps thought they had equalised with fifteen minutes to go but Damien McNulty's shot was cleared off the line.
Then with just over ten minutes left Mark Timlin doubled St. Pats lead with a neat finish with his left foot to sicken Finn Harps hearts.
Ollie Horgan decided to make a double substitution with Kevin McHugh and Liam Flatley replacing David Scully and Sean Houston respectively.
St. Pats looked to have killed off the game with the second goal but Harps were awarded a penalty which was slotted in the left of the goal with Kevin McHugh sending keeper Brendan Clarke the wrong way.
The Fourth official had announced three minutes added time as the game began to get a bit fiery with both sides putting in some rough challenges.
Harps fans felt Sean Hoare should have seen red for a high challenge on Packie Mailey but the ref thought otherwise. This decision may have made tempers a bit heated.
Shortly before full time St Pats were awarded a thrown in, which they were taking their time with.
Ollie Horgan tossed the ball towards Bermingham, hitting him on on the head, and was as a result sent to the stands.
Away manager Liam Buckley admitted in the post match interview that it was nothing doing and not worthy of the punishment Horgan received.
Ryan Curran feels that that performance was one of Harps' better ones this season but was disappointed to not get at least a draw, he is hoping they can take that performance onto Bray on Friday night.
Finn Harps: Richard Brush; Ciaran Coll, Packie Mailey, Keith Cowan, Damien McNulty; Ethan Boyle (Michael Funston 51), Gareth Harkin, Tony McNamee, Sean Houston (Liam Flatley 82), David Scully (Kevin McHugh 81); Ryan Curran.
Subs not used: Ciaran Gallagher, Matthew Crossan, Tommy McMonagle, Ryan McConnell.
Booked: Keith Cowan (70) David Scully (38).
St. Patrick's Athletic: Brendan Clarke; Ian Bermingham, Darren Dennehy (Jason McGuinness 60), Sean Hoare, Michael Barker; David Cawley, Conan Byrne, Mark Timlin, Shane McEleney. Billy Dennehy; Christy Fagan.
Subs not used: Dinny Corcoran, Lee Desmond, Graham Kelly, Sam Verdon, Jamie McGrath, Rory Feely.
Booked: Billy Dennehy (43), Christy Fagan (70), Michael Barker (87).
Referee: Ben Connolly.
Attendance: 801.
Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Mark Timlin (St. Patricks Athletic).
