Finn Harps 1 - 0 Longford Town

• Deniese O'Flaherty
• Sat, Sep 05 2009


A 63rd minute strike from Mark Forker inflicted a second successive defeat on Longford Town as Finn Harps extended their unbeaten league run to three games.

Gareth Cronin had been looking for a response from his players after last weekend’s disappointing 4-1 defeat at home to Monaghan Utd; that didn’t happen. Although they played well in the first half the midlanders were completely out of it after the break. Such was Harps dominance in the second half the visitors had to wait until 11 minutes from time to create their first chance on goal in that half.

Both sides made several changes to their starting line-ups for the game. Harps were missing Packie Mailey through suspension, James Doherty was unavailable and Gary Whoriskey missed out through injury. Ian Rossiter, Sean McGowan and Oisin McMenaman all started.

With centre half Brian McCarthy suspended, Ray Kenny came into defence for Longford, while Michael Foley got his first start since early July and Colm Jinks was re-called with Neal McKenna and Gary Curran both dropping to the bench.

In what was an evenly matched first half both sides created several chances. The home side started the game brightly but Longford slowly got into the game with Stephen Gough and Michael Foley in particular running things in midfield.

The deadlock should’ve been broken in the 14th minute but unfortunately for Adrian Murphy his spectacular volley from 25 yards out went just over.

Eight minutes later Michael Foley had another good opportunity for Longford but his effort from the edge of the box just went wide.

Harps themselves had their chances. Town defender Jordan McMillan had to be alert in the 27th minute to put in a well timed tackle on Oisin McMenamin after he broke into the box. Three minutes later Ray Kenny was called into action, blocking down Christy Conaghan’s effort.

Seven minutes from the break Tom King brought a save out of Harps' keeper Ciaran Gallagher and the teams remained level at the break.

Finn Harps were the better side after the break and piled the pressure on. Michael Funston’s shot from Stephen McLoughlin’s quick free was cleared off the line three minutes after the restart. McLoughlin also had an effort in the 60th minute.

Their pressure eventually paid off three minutes later. Town keeper Danny O’Leary’s clearance from Christy Conaghan’s effort fell to Forker and he made no mistake, firing home from just inside the area.

Harps were in control of proceedings and such was their dominance the first chance Longford created in the second half came 11 mins from time; Colm Jinks played the ball over the top of the Harps' defence it fell to substitute Derek Glynn who brought a fine save out of Gallagher.

Glynn had another chance two minutes later but his header from Adrian Murphy’s cross was off target. Town continued to press for an equaliser and Murphy and Glynn combined again in the 85th minute but the sub dragged his low shot wide.

Indeed Harps had a chance to double their advantage right before the end of normal time; McLoughlin charged down O’Leary’s kick from a backpass but the netminder was relieved to see the effort rebound wide.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, Ian Rossiter, Ciaran Coll, Seamus Sharkey, Sean McGowan, Michael Funston, Christy Conaghan (Sean Roddy, 83), Mark Forker, Oisin McMenaman (Mark Moran, 31), Mark Brolly, Stephen McLoughlin.
Subs Not used: Brian Lafferty, Declan O’Donnell, Michael Boyle.

Longford Town: Danny O’Leary, Ray Kenny, Kevin Cronin (Neil McKenna, 50), Jordan McMillan, Jason McCartney, Tom King, Stephen Gough, Michael Foley (Michael Lee, 85), Colm Jinks, Adrian Murphy, Liam Lynch (Derek Glynn, 62).
Subs Not used: Gary Curran, Aaron Shanahan.

Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin).