Finn Harps can hold their heads up high as they gave it their all in their FAI Cup replay tonight.
A craftier Drogheda Utd side proved to have a little more in the tank for Harps as they ended their cup dreams for yet another season winning 2-0.
The Donegal side were forced to a replay at Hunky Dorys Park after a late equaliser at Finn Park last Friday night saw the game end 1-1 after a late eualiser from Drogheda.
Harps tried to match their Premier League opposition in every department tonight and did so for the first half which ended scoreless.
But Drogheda threw what proved to be the decisive punch in the 50th minute when Declan O’Brien finished Shane Grimes’ cross from close range to beat Ciaran Gallagher.
Harps were living on half chances with both Kevin McHugh and Tommy McMonagle going close.
Harps were dealt a major blow when they were reduced to ten men following the sending off of Damien McNulty in the 75th minute.
Drogheda, with the numerical advantage, had the chance to finish off Harps in the 79th minute through Peter Hynes.
Through on goal on a one-on-one with Harps ‘keeper Gallagher, Hynes tried a cheeky lob but was foiled well by the Harps number one.
Peter Hutton’s side threw everything at Drogheda in the last ten minutes but Drogheda were happy to soak up the pressure with the extra man.
Harps were given some glimmer of hope when the referee announced six minutes of injury time in the 90th minute.
But whatever slight hope they had soon disappeared when Drogheda added a second in the 92nd minute through David Cassidy.
Cassidy linked up with Ryan Brennan to ‘round Gallagher and apply a simple tap-in to make it 2-0.
It was a cruel end to Harps gallant cup efforts this season.
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