Report: UCD 1-0 Finn Harps

UCD recorded their first home win in the league on Friday night when they defeated a poor Finn Harps by a single goal at Belfield. Ronan Finn was the goal hero when he finished neatly just before the hour mark. The result lifts Pete Mahons side above Harps and out of the relegation zone.

Both sides made just one change from their most recent line ups. Alan Mahon hadn't recovered in time so Sean Harding made just his second competitive start. Sean Roddy returned to the Harps starting eleven in place of the injured Shaun Holmes.

A couple of teasing crosses from Shaun Williams and Shane Fitzgerald were the only highlights from the opening half hour. Both sides struggled to get into the game and there was a general lack of quality all over, particularly in the final third.

A long ball was flicked on by Stephen Parkhouse in the thirty second minute and Conor Gethins had the games first shot. UCD keeper Matt Gregg saved well without too much difficulty. Fitzgerald was lively for the home side and after getting the better of a few challenges the ball ran away from him in the box and the opening passed.

Brian King tried his luck from distance but Gavin Cullen wasn't much troubled. The Students were beginning to impose themselves on the game and when Finn picked out Derek Doyle with a clever diagonal ball, Harps were lucky that one of the referees assistants wrongly raised his flag for offside.

UCD were unlucky not to go in at the break in the lead. Pat McWalter, again playing as a striker, headed narrowly wide from a King corner, five minutes before half time. Moments later Harding released Fitzgerald and UCD had a claim for a penalty when his cross looked to hit the hand of a Harps defender. Referee Neil Doyle wasn't interested and awarded just a corner.

Doyle rose well and it looked as if his header from Hardings corner was going to open the scoring, but Roddy managed to clear it off the line with a diving header. Alan McNally followed up the rebound but Cullen made a fine reflex save. Then, in the last minute of the half, McNally again came close, but this time his header was off target.

Just two minutes after the restart, Harps had a great chance to take the lead. Gethins swung in a free kick from the right hand side and Parkhouses well directed header needed to be pushed away by Matt Gregg. UCD continued to look for an opening goal and when Conor Kenna picked out McWalter in the box, Harps Marc Mukendi was needed to get in the all important block.

College were getting closer, and in the space of five minutes had two well struck shots narrowly end up the wrong side of the upright. Fitzgerald connected sweetly on the volley from just outside the box. Finn then robbed Shaun McGowan of possession and fancied his chances from just under thirty yards. The games only goal came a minute later when the home side next attacked.

UCD worked the ball well outside of the Harps penalty area and had a little bit of luck when they kept possession after a slack pass. Kings low shot took a deflection and in nipped Finn with time to take a touch to steady himself before picking his spot from circa six yards.

Doyle may have added another goal a few minutes after the restart but his header lacked accuracy. Harps then threatened on the hour when Parkhouse smacked a half volley off the crossbar after Gethins had set him up.

Harps were desperate for an equaliser, but in truth never really looked like getting it. In fact, if another goal was to be scored, UCD looked the side most likely to get it. Pete Mahons side soaked up the minimal pressure they were put under and resisted the temptation to sit back on what they had. They kept two upfront and didn't much alter their game plan.

UCD: Matt Gregg; Sean Harding, Alan McNally, Conor Kenna, Ian Bermingham; Shane Fitzgerald, Brian King, Ronan Finn, Derek Doyle; Timmy Purcell (John Reilly 78), Pat McWalter (Evan McMillan 86).
Subs not used: Billy Brennan, Greg Bolger, Darren Forsyth.

Booked: None.

Finn Harps: Gavin Cullen; Sean Roddy (Michael Funston 77), Stuart Malcolm, Declan Boyle, Marc Mukendi; Chris Breen (Marc Brolly 46), Tony Shields, Shaun McGowan (Gerry Gill 68), Shaun Williams; Stephen Parkhouse, Conor Gethins.
Subs not used: Johnny Havlin, Corny Gallagher.

Booked: Boyle.

Referee: Neil Doyle.

Attendance: 230