EA Sports Cup Report: Finn Harps 1 - 2 Derry City

Odhrán Crumley reports from Finn Park.

Derry City came from behind to overcome a stubborn Finn Harps challenge and advance to the quarter-finals of the EA Sports Cup.

The Finn Park pitch was heavy and wet as rain continued to fall throughout the duration of a game not aided by the desperately cold Ballybofey weather.

It was Derry City who immediately put their footprint on the game, getting on the ball and trying to establish their passing game.

Aaron McEneff had the first effort of the game profiting from some great hold-up play from Ronan Hale. Unfortunately for McEneff his effort was blocked before being gathered by Harps goalkeeper Peter Burke.

Burke had the ball in his hands regularly, first catching a cross from Conor McDermott after a quick McEneff free. He then rose highest to claim the resulting corner from McEneff.

Harps took the lead completely against the run of play after 11 minutes. Mark Coyle wona corner that saw period of play around the area before Ciaran Coll’s effort blasted the post on its way into the net.

Derry City went in an immediate search for an equaliser with Rory Hale injecting pace into the Derry attack, playing the ball to brother Ronan to win a corner.

Aaron McEneff’s in-swinging corner almost went straight into the net only to be punched over the bar by Burke.

The Candystripes would continue to pepper the Harps goal with shots. Jack Doyle, Aaron McEneff and Rory Hale all shot off target in quick succession.

29 minutes were on the clock when Aaron McEneff broke into the area before being brought down by Mark Hannon prompting the referee to point to the spot.

McEneff stepped up to take the penalty himself, sending Burke the wrong way and placing the ball into the bottom left hand corner of the net.

The equalising strike meant McEneff scored for the fourth game in a row and his third goal in three days.

After restoring parity, Derry went in search of the lead, McEneff cutting the ball back to Rory Hale whose swivelled shot tailed inches away from the top right corner of the net.

With the final action of the half, Conor McDermott showed tremendous pace to beat his man up the right. His cross ended up at the feet of Nicky Low, but he couldn’t keep his effort down.

Throughout the beginning of the second half Derry continued to control possession but neither side threatened with most of the play in the middle third of the pitch.

The visitors should really have taken the lead on the hour mark as Ronan Hale’s disguised pass played McEneff in on top of Harps keeper Burke. McEneff blasted the ball towards goal but his effort was well saved by a game Burke.

Three minutes later Derry did take the lead with substitute Rory Patterson making an instant impact.

The former Northern Ireland international finished expertly into the top corner after a delightful cross from Ronan Curtis only four minutes after coming onto the field.

Derry continued to press despite taking the lead with Ronan Hale having a shot from distance that troubled the goalkeeper.

Harps almost had a chance of their as Adam Duffy had a go from the edge of the box only for Darren Cole to come across and make a timely interception.

In the dying embers of the game City continued to create chances, Jamie McDonagh skinning his man before playing the ball into the path of McEneff to bundle into the ne, but the goal was ruled out by the referee for a foul on the goalkeeper.

Soon after the final whistle sounded and the derby day bragging rights went to Derry City as they overcame a stubborn Finn Harps resistance to win 2-1.

Finn Harps: Peter Burke, Aidan Friel, Ciaran Coll, Keith Cowan, Jesse Devers, Tommy McBride, Mark Timlin (Lee Toland 57), Mark Coyle (Adam Duffy 69), Mark Hannon, Sam Todd, Michael O’Connor (John O’Flynn HT).

Subs Not Used: Ciaran Gallagher (gk), Dylan McCroary, Gareth Doherty, Ryan Finn.

Booked: Aidan Friel (67), Ciaran Coll (89), Jesse Devers (25), Mark Hannon (29), Tommy McBride (39).

Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Conor McDermott, Aaron McEneff, Rory Hale, Ronan Curtis, Eoin Toal, Darren Cole, Ronan Hale (Jamie McDonagh 81), David Hopkirk (Rory Patterson 59), Jack Doyle (Ben Doherty 78), Nicky Low.

Subs Not Used: Eric Grimes (gk), Gavin Peers, Cathal Farren, Scott Whiteside.

Booked: None.

Referee: John McLaughlin.

Attendance: 935 (official).

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: Rory Hale (Derry City).