League Report: Finn Harps 2 - 1 Bray Wanderers

Finn Harps won their first game in three months to ease the threat of relegation while ending Brays run of five consecutive wins. Sean Houston grabbed a goal in each half and they held on after substitute Dean Kelly brought Bray back into the match.

Finn Harps finally stopped their disastrous run in spectacular fashion against Sligo on Tuesday night with a 0-0 draw and Harps Boss Ollie Horgan has made 3 changes to that side bringing in Keeper Ciaran Gallagher, Ciaran Coll and Ryan Curran. Unfortunate circumstances meant that Kevin McHugh’s season was over after a horrifying finger injury in midweek.

They say never change a winning formula and Bray Manager Harry Kenny tweaked his slightly in the form of Darragh Noone coming into the side in place of Jason Marks after his sides 2-1 win over Bohemians in their last fixture.

Sean Houston nearly put the home side in front six minutes in after some good pressure. A good delivery in from the corner, Houston got his head on but his effort was just wide.

Curran was the second player to have a close attempt, his effort cleared off the line by Conor Kenna after 10 minutes.

Finn Harps pressure paid off on 12 minutes. A good set piece delivery from Adam Hanlon was well headed into the goal by Sean Houston to score Harps first home goal since their match against Galway on July 8th, also scored by Houston.

Finn Harps could have gone two up moments later after more good pressure but Michael Funston dragged his shot wide.

Hugh Douglas powered a great header towards goal which looked to be heading in but Ciaran Gallagher made a save for the cameras.

A lovely turn from Curran set himself up perfectly for a bottom corner finish but Cherrie got down exceptionally well to save the goal bound effort.

Barry Molloy nearly doubled the home sides’ advantage with a shot from outside the box with the keeper off his line but Cherrie still managed to get a hand to it.

The first chance of the second half fell to the lively Ryan Curran, his effort had Cherrie beaten but it hit the top of the woodwork.

Sean Houston grabbed his and Finn Harps second of the match on 66 minutes. Great work down the wing saw a Keith Cowan flick fall kindly for the Houston who slotted home to make it 2-0.

An inspired substitution by manager Harry Kenny lead to Dean Kelly scoring within minutes of being on the pitch. The striker benefitted on a defensive mix up to tap home where he couldn't miss.

Another defensive mix up for Harps saw almost concede a penalty at the death. Coll and Mailey stood staring at the ball and Kelly capitalized and was felled in the area but the ref was not moved by the appeals for a spot-kick.

Harps almost added a third goal in the dying seconds. Peter Cherrie delayed kicking the ball out and substitute BJ Banda closed him down to steal the ball but his touch to take it off the keeper went agonisingly wide.

The win for Harps moves them eight points clear of Wexford Youths who lost ground in the relegation battle, losing 4-1 away to St. Pats.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Ciaran Coll, Keith Cowan, Ethan Boyle; Sean Houston, Adam Hanlon(Tony McNamee 82), Barry Molloy, Gareth Harkin, Michael Funston(Josh Mailey 68); Ryan Curran(BJ Banda 90+3).

Subs not used: Tommy Lee McCarron, Packie Mailey, Tommy McMonagle, Mark Coyle.

Booked: Michael Funston (30), Ethan Boyle (39)

Bray Wanderers: Peter Cherrie; Hugh Douglas, Tim Clancy, Conor Kenna, Kevin Lynch; John Sullivan, Mark Salmon(Ryan Brennan 58), Karl Moore, Darragh Noone(Chris Lyons 82), Dylan Connolly; Ger Pender(Dean Kelly 58).

Subs not used: Lee Steacy, Alan McNally, Jason Marks, Sean Harding.

Booked: Hugh Douglas (10) Conor Kenna (77)

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

Attendance: 745(est)

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