MIDFIELDER Mark Forker struck a stunning double to give Finn Harps all three points against Salthill Devon in Ballybofey tonight.
The Burtonport man lifted the spirits of a Harps side which has struggled for points in recent weeks.
It was the sort of result of Harps have been threatening to produce in so many matches this season.
But for once the Donegal side got what they deserved.
Forker’s first goal – after just seven minutes – was like something out of a Match of the Day trailer, a stunning volley which gave the SD keeper no chance.
The truth is that Harps could have beaten Salthill Devon by at least four goals but manager Peter Hutton will be happy that his team are back to winning ways.
Another couple of wins could see Harps give it one last push to get into a promotion play-off place.
The game was barely a few minutes old when midfielder Forker found the ball bouncing at his feet on the edge of the Salthill area.
Spotting the Galway goalkeeper Keane off his line, the Burtonport man let fly with a super drop volley which dipped in under the visitor’s crossbar to make it 1-0.
Kevin McHugh rocked the outside of the Salthill bar a few minutes later and was linking up well throughout with Harps new signing Lee Toland.
Indeed Toland, who signed from Kildrum Tigers, look menacing throughout and could well be a good signing for Peter Hutton.
Salthill began to come into the game towards the close of the first half with Barry bringing a fine save from Ciaran Gallagher.
Harps started brightly again in the second half and Devon’s cause wasn’t helped in the 60th minute when Willie Enulebe was given a straight red for an elbow on McHugh.
A couple of minutes later Forker for his and his team’s second goal when he held off four Salthill defenders before bring the ball wide and cutting a shot in at the near post to make it 2-0.
Salthill to their credit continued to push but Harps were in total control and defended well through McMonagle and Cowan.
Special mention must also go to James Doherty and Mickey Funston who worked tirelessly throughout.
That said it’s probably unfair to single out any Harps player as it was a team effort right down to sub Pat McCann who could have made it 3-0 to Harps in the closing stages.
Salthill may well prop up the First Division table but Harps can push on and with a bit of luck can fight for that play-off place.
There may have been just 200 at this match tonight, but what a treat of a goal it was.
To be fair Salthill tried to make a match of it and had a couple of decent chances before the break but found Gallagher in sparking form in goals.
And their chances of making any sort of comeback were dealt a blow 15 minutes into the second half when Willie Enubele was sent off for elbowing McHugh in the face.
In the 64th minute as Salthill were trying to sort out their shape quick-thinking Forker beat four players before finishing with another wonder goal.
Harps eased towards full time without any problems.
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