League Report: Cobh Ramblers 2 - 0 Finn Harps

Éanna Mackey reports from St Colman's Park

Finn Harps fell to a second consecutive defeat on the road in the SSE Airtricity League First Division this Friday evening. #

Harps, who were second best for much of the game, dropped to third in the league table after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Cobh Ramblers at St. Colman's Park.

Harps arrived on the south coast in second place, looking to bounce back after last week’s defeat away to Athlone, which ended their five-game unbeaten run.

Meanwhile, out of sorts, Cobh lay second bottom with just one win this season, which was a 1-0 victory over Finn Harps in early March.

Following a moment of applause for the passing of Cobh legend Frank O’Neill, the home side started with intent, with back-to-back early corners causing problems for the Harps' defence.

That early pressure soon paid dividends when McKevitt flicked on Larkin's cross to give the Ramblers an early lead.

It seemed as if Harps were struggling with the synthetic surface in Cobh, and it wasn’t until the thirtieth minute that they managed their first chance.

A long throw caused carnage in the Cobh box, and as the ball bounced goalward, Eguibar managed to get in the way to keep the home side in front.

However, just six minutes later, things would go from bad to worse for the visitors as a Bosnjak effort from the edge of the box took a huge deflection, leaving Heimer hapless in the Harps goal, giving Cobh a two-goal advantage at the interval.

The second half was much like the first from a Harps' point of view. The Ballybofey men struggled to create anything, with the opening chance of the half falling to Edogun in the sixty-fourth.

The powerful attacker latched onto an O’Donnell pass before turning his man and curling his effort narrowly wide.

As Harps tried to wrestle their way back into the game, they simply could not break down a very well-organised Cobh defence.

Edogun again found some space in the eighty-second minute, but his effort was easily gathered by Burke. A late header from O’Brien seemed to worry Burke momentarily, but it drifted harmlessly wide.

Cobh’s second win over Harps this season sees an end to their six-game winless run, while Harps are now winless in three.

Next up for the Donegal men is a home fixture against league leaders Cork City next Friday, while tonight's hosts, Cobh, will travel to the midlands to take on Athlone.

Cobh Ramblers: Darragh Burke, Cian Browne, Justin Eguaibor, Dean Larkin, Beineon O’Brien Whitmarsh (Nolan Evers), Matthew McKevitt, Jack Larkin, David Bosnjiak (Michael McCarthy 84), Charlie O’Brien, Dale Holland, Jason Abbott.

Subs not used: Evan Deasy, Tyan Delaney, Alessandro DeSanctis, David Eguaibor, Liam Kervick, Luka Le Bervet, Dan McKay.

Booked: Jason Abbott 75, Jack Larkin 26, Justin Eguaibor 78,Charlie O’Brien 87.

Finn Harps: Tim Heimer, Jamie Watson, Conor Tourish, Matthew Makinson (Ryan Rainey 46), Noe Baba, Patrick Ferry (Max Johnston 57), Success Edogun, Darragh Coyle (Sean O’Donnell 46), Luke O’Brien, David Cawley (Mark Mbuli 73), Tony McNamee.

Subs not used: Chris Lotefa, Shane McGonagle, Conor Walsh.

Booked: Luke O’Brien 76, Sean O’ Donnell 67.

Extratime.com Player of the Match - Justin Eguaibor

Referee: Aaron O Dowd.