League Report: Finn Harps 3 - 0 Sligo Rovers

 

Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan made three changes to his side after their 1-1 draw away to Shamrock Rovers on Sunday, bringing in ex- Sligo netminder Richard Brush, Keith Cowan and Ryan Curran all of whom sat on the bench last week.

 

Sligo Rovers head honcho Dave Robinson made just the one change after their away victory over Galway United, Craig Roddan replacing Gavin Peers in the starting XI.

 

Sean Houston put the home side in front just over 15 minutes into the first half. One on one with Sligo 'keeper Micheal Schlingermann, the midfielder tucked away his shot neatly.

 

Sligo responded well to going a goal down, with Brush needing to be sharp to tip over a drive from distance by Gary Boylan.

 

The last notable action of the first half saw Mick Leahy go into the referee's book after a late challenge on Harps' striker Dave Scully.

 

The fans were treated to some half-time entertainment with the club hosting a Crossbar Challenge. Unfortunately, the woodwork was not shaken once by the end.

 

Sligo's early second half pressure was to no avail as Ryan Curran doubled the host's lead less than five minutes into the second half. It's only the second time this season that Finn Harps have scored twice at home, the other being the first game of the season versus Derry City.

 

Just under 15 minutes into the second half, Scully joined Leahy in the referee's book and was soon followed by Sligo's Raff Cretaro and Harps' Packie Mailey. Cretaro felt he was fouled in the penalty area and a scuffle broke out, ending with Robert Harvey brandishing a yellow card to both players.

 

Robinson looked to remedy Sligo's grim situation by bringing on the pacey Jordan Richards, but it was Harps who got the next and ultimately decisive goal in the game. Houston pounced for his second of the night after Schlingermann dropped a ball from a set-piece right at his feet. It was the first time Harps scored three in a single game this season.

 

Horgan was looking to increase his side's goal tally by adding some firepower in the form of veteran striker Kevin McHugh, but 3-0 would be the final score at Finn Park.

 

The Finn Harps boss admitted afterwards that the opening goal was crucial and that it could have been a different game if Sligo had netted first. Robinson, meanwhile, believed that it was the errors that ultimately cost his team, while adding on a different note that he was hoping to keep hold of Jordan Roberts and Jaanai Gordan. The pair are on loan from Notts County and West Ham respectively and both are due to return to their parent clubs on July 1st. 

 

Finn Harps: Richard Brush; Ciaran Coll, Keith Cowan, Packie Mailey, Ethan Boyle; Gareth Harkin (Josh Mailey, 82), Sean Houston, Thomas McMonagle, Adam Hanlon (Michael Funston, 88); Dave Scully (Kevin McHugh, 75), Ryan Curran.

Subs not used: Ciaran Gallagher, Raymond Foy, Tony McNamee, Liam Flatley.

Booked: Dave Scully (57), Packie Mailey (63).

 

Sligo Rovers: Micheal Schlingermann; Tobi Adebayo-Rowling, Regan Donelon, Michael Leahy, John Russell ( Jordan Richards, 65); Craig Roddan, Raffaele Cretaro (Philip Roberts, 87), Jimmy Keohane, Liam Martin; Kieran Sadlier (Jaanai Gordon, 87), Gary Boylan.

Subs not used: Ciaran Nugent, Gary Armstrong, Mikey Place, Chris Lyons.

Booked: Mick Leahy (40), Raffaele  Cretaro (63), Liam Martin (72).

 

Referee: Robert Harvey.

Attendance: 1671.

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: Sean Houston (Finn Harps).