League Report: Finn Harps 0 - 2 Dundalk FC

Dundalk kept up the pressure at the top of the SSE Airtricity League on Friday night with a routine 2-0 win over Finn Harps in Ballybofey.

David McMillan has been a revelation since his return from a knee injury and he continued his rich vein of form, capping a fine performance with another two goals either side of half-time as The Lilywhites recorded their second win on the bounce against a hard-working Finn Harps outfit.

In what was a cagey start to proceedings, Dundalk had the first opportunity in the second minute when Jamie McGrath found Michael Duffy in space but the Derry native fired straight at Ciaran Gallagher in the Finn Harps goal after cutting inside from the left flank.

The ever-industrious Chris Shields saw his goal bound effort deflected wide before Sean Hoare, who was making his full debut, brilliantly cut out Sean Houston’s cross at the other end which was destined for the in-form Caolan McAleer, who was in a great position to score.

Everyone at Finn Park thought that Dundalk had made the breakthrough when Dane Massey’s cross from the left was headed off the post by McMillan before Harps captain Ciaran Coll cleared the danger, preventing the onrushing Brian Gartland from scoring with the goal gaping.

The visitors did make the breakthrough on 34 minutes when Niclas Vemmelund planted a world-class cross into the box with his left boot which found McMillan, who’s excellent finish gave Gallagher little chance – it was truly an exquisite piece of magic from the Danish right-back.

Dundalk almost doubled their advantage not long after the restart when Massey floated a free-kick into the box which was diverted onto the crossbar by the head of McMillan, who as the travelling contingent chanted was unquestionably on fire.

He made no mistake moments later when he got on the end of Conor Clifford’s cross and finished past the despairing Gallagher to put Dundalk in full control – McMillan has now netted in his last three matches and has scored four goals in just two starts this season.

Stephen Kenny’s side were now seeking that killer third and Thomas Stewart twice went close, first firing an effort just wide of the post before the outrushing Gallagher did just enough to prevent the frontman from adding his name to the scoresheet after a decent pass over the top from McGrath.

Duffy was next to try his luck when his effort trickled wide following a neat interchange with Massey before Duffy was again involved, this time blazing over from close range following Stewart’s header across the goalmouth.

Finn Harps were aggrieved not to have been awarded a penalty with about ten minutes to play when Hoare and substitute Eddie Dsane tussled in the box but the latter was adjudged to have committed the foul, leaving the incensed Ollie Horgan to confront referee Paul Tuite at the full-time whistle.

However, the hosts never looked like troubling their opponents with Gary Rogers, who comfortably saved Coll’s late effort, rarely called into action as The Lilywhites keep up the pressure on Cork City, who recorded an impressive 3-0 win over Derry City on the same night.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Ciaran Coll, Killian Cantwell, Gareth Harkin; Ethan Boyle, Jonny Bonner (BJ Banda 82), Barry Molloy (Mickey Funston 76), Caolan McAleer; Paddy McCourt (Eddie Dsane 68), Sean Houston.

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

Booked: Gareth Harkin (27), Caolan McAleer (69).

Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Niclas Vemmelund, Brian Gartland, Sean Hoare, Dane Massey; Jamie McGrath, Conor Clifford, Chris Shields (Stephen O’Donnell 84), Michael Duffy; Thomas Stewart (John Mountney 85), David McMillan (Ciaran Kilduff 87).

Subs not used: Gabriel Sava (gk), Emmet Hughes, Patrick McEleney, Steven Kinsella.

Booked: Brian Gartland (27), Niclas Vemmelund (71).

Referee: Paul Tuite

Attendance: 1,211

ExtraTime.ie Man of the Match: David McMillan (Dundalk)