Wexford Youths 2 - 1 Finn Harps
Credit:
Wexford Youths made it three wins in a row in the league and are a team on a good run as they disposed of a lacklustre Finn Harps in Ferrycarrig Park despite the home side playing the last half an hour with ten men. Youths now move joint second in the table with Harps after this deserved victory.
Youths started brighter and Joey Mulcahy came closest in the opening stages with a decent effort that went just wide on ten minutes. It was an opening quarter of few chances but the Ballybofey men took the lead on 17 minutes. Michael Funston went on a powerful run down the wing, skipped by the full back and squared the ball for an easy tap in for Sean McCarron.
Youths responded excellently to the goal to totally dominate the remainder of the half. Mulcahy came close along with Brian Nolan and the pressure was rewarded in the 42nd minute when Mulcahy was allegedly nudged in the back by a Harps defender Tommy McMonagle. The referee pointed to the spot and Mulcahy slotted home low to the keeper's left.
Youths continued their good play in the second half and a long ball over the top from centre half Gary Delaney played through Aidan Keenan. He nodded the ball on and poked it past Ciaran Gallagher on the hour to give the Youths the lead.
The Donegal men failed to create much in the latter stages of the match even when Thomas Croke of the Youths was given a second yellow card for a late tackle. Sean McCarron came really close in stoppage time to equalising but his shot sailed just over.
Wexford Youths deserved the victory and played some free flowing football especially in the first half and they are a team on a roll at the moment. Harps will be disappointed with this performance as they make the long journey up north empty handed.
Wexford Youths: Graham Doyle; Craig McCabe, Jimmy Dermody, Gary Delaney, Jamie Carr, Thomas Croke, Brain Nolan (Shaun Corcoran 90), Shane Nolan (Caolon O Gorman 80), Eric Molloy, Joey Mulcahy, Aidan Keenan.
Subs not used: Brandon O'Callaghan, Shane Clarke, Dean Broaders, Glen Hawe, Daryl Power.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Jamie Doherty (Michael Doherty 90), Ciaran Coll, Tommy McMonagle, Keith Cowan; Tommy Bonner, Michael Funston (Shaun McGowan 60), Johnny Bonner, Gary Merritt (Paul McVeigh 72); Sean McCarron, Kevin McHugh.
Subs not used: Shaun Patton, Aaron O'Hagan, Matt Harkin, Mark Forker.
Referee: Simon Rogers.
Attendance : 205
Man of the match : Aidan Keenan (Wexford Youths).
