A gutsy performance by Finn Harps ended in the cruelest of ways when they were beaten by Derry City in the League Cup in a penalty shoot-out at Finn Park.
Over the years Derry have had a stranglehold over Harps in competitive games.
And once again it was the Candystripes who opened the scoring after 17 minutes.
Harps failed to clear the ball and Rory Patterson hit the back of the net from the edge of the area with a snap shot.
Patterson went close again for Derry in the 38th minute while Matthew Harkin’s shot whizzed past the Derry post a couple of minutes later.
The game was heading for half-time when a teasing cross from Johnny Bonner saw Aaron O’Hagan rise highest to head into the Derry net to make it 1-1.
Both side continued to trade chances in the second half.
Shane McEleney hit the Harps post while Mark Forker’s effort was blocked by Derry ‘keeper Doherty.
Stewart Gracean also went close for Harps.
Derry were reduced to ten minutes with fifteen minutes to go when goalscorer Patterson got his marching orders for a second bookable offence.
Derry battened down the hatches and the game ended in stalemate after 90 minutes.
Extra time could separate the sides and it went down to the cruelest of decisions – penalties.
Lady Luck just wasn’t on Harps’ side and they were eventually beaten by the narrowest of margins 6-5.
But it was a superb performance by Harps; Hutton bringing in eight new faces from the side which beat Mervue.
Mark Forker and James Bonner were superb in midfield against the Premier League outfit.
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