League Report: Shamrock Rovers 3 - 2 Finn Harps

Shamrock Rovers completed a 3-2 victory over Finn Harps on Friday night as defender Simon Madden’s sublime injury time volley proved decisive following a dramatic Harps comeback at Tallaght Stadium.

Rovers built a comprehensive lead after just 14 minutes. David McAllister crashed a superb strike from 30 yards off the underside of Ciaran Gallagher’s crossbar before Ronan Finn doubled his side’s lead with his first goal as Hoops captain.

A late revival took place in the second half when Harps goals from Caolan McAleer and a Paddy McCourt drew the sides level before Madden’s dramatic late winner.

Manager Stephen Bradley reiterated the need for all three points in this game following back-to-back defeats against Cork City and St. Patrick’s Athletic which left them 12 points adrift of top spot just seven games into the season.

His side provided the perfect response however. Time and space opened up for midfielder McAllister before he unleashed a stunning effort which hit the crossbar on its way in on a night for fine goals across the League of Ireland.

Twelve minutes later it was the turn of club captain Ronan Finn who took inspiration from his team-mate’s early goal to drive a fine low effort under the dive of goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher for 2-0 with only 14 minutes played.

The Hoops built on their momentum and applied constant pressure on a shocked and wounded Harps, whose only response came when Sean Houston glanced a header just shy of the post.

Confidence was free-flowing in the opening period for Rovers as McAllister roamed in attack, feeding the youthful duo of 18-year-old Sam Bone and 17-year-old Dean Dillon in attack as Michael O’Connor dropped to the bench.

Harps struggled to create chances following the departure of Ciaran O’Connor after 23 minutes. Brother of Michael, the striker scored a dramatic 94th minute penalty to give Harps a second win of the season last Saturday against Sligo Rovers at Finn Park.

Limping to the sideline, the forward was replaced by Barry Molloy, and Harps’ only real chance at goal inside the opening period cane when Johnny Bonner smashed his effort from inside the penalty area straight at Rovers’ goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski.

The second half told a different story altogether. A revitalized Harps dominated proceedings and got themselves back in the hunt for a point when Sean Houston’s pristine through ball found Caolan McAleer who slid a cool finish under goalkeeper Tomer Chencinski.

That momentum was carried forward and soon saw the sides level. A free-kick on the edge of the Rovers’ penalty area was the perfect location for Paddy McCourt to score his first goal at the Ballybofey club, swinging a smart chip into the corner of the net to make it 2-2 with 13 minutes remaining.

Rovers had looked vulnerable throughout the second half but rallied late on to create a litany of chances to steal a victory which once seemed a straightforward affair.

A loose ball was not dealt with accordingly by a hapless Harps.

It fell to defender Madden, positioned just inside the area, and steered a gloriously composed volley dipping into the top corner of goalkeeper Gallagher’s net, sending the home support into hysterics and the Ballybofey club home with nothing.

Shamrock Rovers: Tomer Chencinski; David Webster, Simon Madden, Daniel Devine; David McAllister (Sean Boyd 80), Trevor Clarke, Ronan Finn, Roberto Lopes, Graham Burke, Sam Bone (Brandon Miele 67); Dean Dillon.

Subs not used: Kevin Horgan (gk), Shane Hanney, Darren Meenan, James Doona, Michael O’Connor.

Booked: Roberto Lopes (86).

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Ethan Boyle, Killian Cantwell, Gareth Harkin, Ciaran Coll; Caolan McAleer, Sean Houston, Johnny Bonner, Paddy McCourt; Ciaran O’Connor (Barry Molloy 23), Danny Morrissey (Eddie Dsane 68).

Subs not used: Harry Doherty (gk), Packie Mailey, Michael Funston, Simon McGlynn, Tommy McMonagle.

Booked: Caolan McAleer (18), Killian Cantwell (52).

Referee: Sean Grant.

Attendance: 2,510.

Extratime.ie Player of the Match: David McAllister (Shamrock Rovers).