Finn Harps fell to a 2-0 defeat to Drogheda United last night at Finn Park.
Adam Wixted and Gavin Brennan netted as Drogheda moved above Harps into seventh spot in the table – here are five talking points from the game in Ballybofey.
- Home comforts doing Harps no favour
Last season, Finn Harps’ home form kept them up in the Premier Division. 23 of the 32 points they amassed by the season’s end were obtained at Finn Park.
So far this season, however, Harps haven’t portrayed the same steel in front of their own fans – and it could, possibly, be the reason for disappointing attendances in Ballybofey.
Harps have taken just four points from a possible 15 at Finn Park.
Having won just once away from home last season, Harps have already collected two wins and a draw on their travels. Their away points total so far (7) is just two off their tally for the whole of 2016.
But their survival, or otherwise, is likely to depend on their form within the confines of Finn Park.
The much-maligned surface – which is, to be fair, improving – has done them little favours, nor, indeed, it appears has the considerable narrowing of the pitch
Whatever their reason, the home form simply must get better.
- McCourt’s talents just craving a natural-born finisher
For around 20 minutes last night, just after half-time, the game became the Paddy McCourt show.
The shame was both that there weren’t more present to witness his brilliance and also that Harps don’t – particularly with their striking options diminished at the moment – possess a natural goalscorer.
At times last night, those in blue and white on the terraces must have longed for a day when McCourt’s magic would be teeing up a striker of the refinement of Kevin McHugh, for instance.
After somehow working his own way into position, only to shoot wide, McCourt laid chances on a plate three times.
Each time, McCourt curled the Drogheda blood before inviting shots from Sean Houston, Michael Funston and Caolan McAleer. Neither could direct their shot on target and in those moments Harps’ profligacy cost them dear.
It was evident, though, that McCourt, again, is a class apart.
- Losing to rivals could be costly
It was clear, by the expression on the face of assistant manager, John Gill, what the win last night meant to Drogheda United.
Gill buzzed into the interview room after seeing his side win 2-0 against a relegation rival.
“It’s a massive three points,” Gill said. “These are the games you have to take three points from. No disrespect to ourselves and Harps, but we’ll be scrapping down there.”
For Harps, the defeat effectively undid the good work of the previous week’s derby win over Derry – and these are the games they ought to be winning. Or, certainly, should not to be losing, given how thin the Division’s margins are.
- Patched up Harps just can’t get a rhythm
Ollie Horgan’s pre-match bulletin read something like Letterkenny University Hospital’s waiting list.
The list of players either out or doubtful jumped into double figures on Monday night when Horgan saw BJ Banda, Harry Doherty and Packie Mailey join an ever-growing casualty list.
Although most of those who had been in the ‘doubtful’ ward during the week managed to play through the pain barrier, some clearly weren’t at 100 per cent.
Paddy McCourt had a brilliant period in the second half, but pulled up just before Drogheda’s second goal. Had he been at full pelt, Harps mightn’t have conceded the second goal, scored by Gavin Brennan after a Drogheda breakaway.
That being said, Horgan wasn’t willing to use his injuries as an excuse.
- Bohemians clash gives Harps a chance of redemption
The first third of the season will have been and gone by this time next week.
Friday’s trip to Bohemians rounds off the opening series of games and Harps, given their away form so far and considering that Bohs have yet to find form, should head for the capital with confidence.
In assessing the season so far after Monday’s EA Sports Cup game against Sligo Rovers, Harps assistant manager Paul Hegarty said that ‘it could have been better’.
There are only nine points between Limerick, in fourth, at Galway, at the bottom.
There is genuinely a cause of frustration for some around Finn Park at two results that could have given the table a whole different perspective.
Had Harps, as they had hoped to, beat Drogheda United last night and managed to hang on for a point after fighting back from two down against Shamrock Rovers (a game they lost 3-2), Harps would now be enjoying a view from fourth.
As it is, they’re right in the relegation battle – but a win at Dalymount and a 14-point return from the first sequence of games would represent a decent opening to the campaign.
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