Finn Harps 0-1 Shamrock Rovers
GARY MCCABE’S SWEETLY struck penalty 20 minutes from time against Finn Harps meant Shamrock Rovers’ perfect start to the SSE Airtricity League season continued in Ballybofey tonight.
Pat Fenlon’s side were certainly the slicker of the two but were glad to get the breakthrough against the dogged Donegal team, who had already overturned Derry City on home turf this term.
The visitors has the best of the first half chances with Brandon Miele’s shot blocked by Damien McNulty following a squared ball by Simon Madden early on.
Then, Miele pulled back to Michael Drennan, who had time to pick his spot but couldn’t hit the target from 12 yards.
Harps threatened really only from deadballs and long throw-ins but were competitive to the last.
A lofted effort from McCabe, when he lifted the ball over Richard Brush from almost 50 yards only to see it land on the roof of the net, was as close as either side managed in the first hour.
Brush, a former Shamrock Rovers goalkeeper himself, was scampering backwards and would’ve been relieved to see his sheet kept clean.
On 70 minutes though, Brush was off his line again and brought down Danny North. McCabe’s penalty was perfect, right into the top corner and proved to be the only goal of the game.
Five minutes into injury time, Harps substitute Michael Funston ran at Maxime Blancard in the penalty area and went down.
Match referee Neil Doyle — who had irked the home support by not second-yellowing Simon Madden earlier — waved play on.
Finn Harps: Richard Brush; Damien McNulty, Keith Cowan, Packie Mailey, Ethan Boyle (Liam Flatley ‘83); Adam Hanlon, Raymond Foy (Kevin McHugh ‘72), Gareth Harkin, Dave Scully; Tony McNamee (Michael Funston ‘80), Ryan Curran.
Shamrock Rovers: Barry Murphy; Simon Madden, Maxime Blancard, David O’Connor, Gavin Brennan; Michael Drennan, Gary McCabe, Killian Brennan (Pat Cregg ‘66), Brandon Miele; Gary Shaw, Danny North (Gareth McCaffrey 90+2).
Referee: Neil Doyle.
The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!
