FOOTBALL: Finn Harps have slipped to their fifth successive defeat following a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Shamrock Rovers.
Second-half goals from Sean Boyd and Dean Clarke fired Stephen Bradley’s side to a comfortable and deserved win at Finn Park.
In truth, it was a pretty uneventful first-half, but Rovers looked the most likely to make the breakthrough and had the lions share of possession.
Harps looked nervy, and really do look like a side on a winless run, they seem to be devoid of ideas, creativity and crucially confidence.
Finn Harps officials had encouraged supporters to come out in force for tonight’s match during the week, but there was a disappointing crowd in attendance at Finn Park.
The game lacked any atmosphere and Harps were looking to bounce back from their 5-0 home defeat to Derry City.
They started the game brightly with McNamee, Harkin and Funston combining well, but that faded quickly, and it was Rovers who got a grip on the game.
Rovers were on top but they never really created any clear cut chances in the first-half.
The turning point came in the 54th minute, when magical play from Brandon Miele created a chance for Sean Boyd who blasted past Richard Brush.
Harps tried to get back into the match, but they never really created a clear cut chance, it was lights out with ten minutes left to play.
Substitute Dean Clarke, only on the pitch a matter of minutes, finished well to seal all three points for Shamrock Rovers.
These are worrying times for Finn Harps, and the only saving grace is that Wexford Youths aren’t picking up any points to catch Harps.
Wexford were defeated at home by League of Ireland champions Dundalk 1-0.
That keeps Harps five points ahead of Wexford, with two games in hand, but it’s now FIVE games since Harps even scored a goal.
Pictures courtesy of North-West Newspix.
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