DEANO Larkin struck late to give ten-man Bonagee United a dramatic win over Finn Harps Reserves at chilly Dry Arch Park in the bmcsports Ulster Senior League.
Bonagee United 2 Finn Harps Reserves 1
By Chris McNulty at Dry Arch Park
With the game clock almost in the red, Larkin finished from Michael Funston’s free kick with just a minute of normal time to go.
Larkin, who had come in as a substitute late in the first half, rose to head home at the back post after Funston was adjudged to have been fouled in the shadows of the stand.
Bonagee played for an hour with reduced numbers after MIcheál Doherty was sent off on the half-hour.
Doherty was booked for dissent nine minutes previously. Having been taken down by the out-rushing Harps goalkeeper Eoin McGing, as the Bonagee attacker skipped past, Doherty felt the punishment for the visiting net minder ought to have been greater than a caution.
For his protests, Doherty entered the notebook and he was sent for an early shower following a foul on Pat Loughrey soon after.
Jason Gibson’s side were ahead by that stage. Jordan Armstrong scored a wonderful solo goal after four minutes. Armstrong set off from the left-hand side, weaving away before sending a cracking effort high beyond McGing for the lead.
Ryan Rainey headed over as Bonagee began well, but Harps saw Corey McBride hit the inside of the post and Loughrey’s follow-up was gathered by Eugene Ferry.
Finn Harps Reserves
Five minutes before the break, Harps drew level. Gabriel Aduaka made the most of a slip by Gareth Breslin and fed McBride, who tucked home into the far corner.
In first half stoppage time, Ferry palmed away from Ronan Gallagher and beat away the rebound by McBride with his legs.
Loughrey tested Ferry early in the second half, while sub Luke Rudden riffled wide from a good position as Harps owned the ball in stages.
Mark Harkin connected to a Rainey free, but his header was too close to McGing.
Joel Bradley-Walsh called Ferry into again late in the game, but the Bonagee ‘keeper was equal to the attempt.
Just when it seemed as if a share of the spoils would ensue, Larkin stepped up with a precious winner for Bonagee.
Bonagee United: Eugene Ferry, Jamie Lynagh (Deano Larkin 43), Mark Harkin, Gareth Breslin, Emmet Friel, Dan O’Donnell, Sean Hume, Michael Funston, Micheál Doherty, Jordan Armstrong, Ryan Rainey.
Finn Harps Reserves: Eoin McGing, Lee McLaughlin, Daragh Ellison, Keelin McGill, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Jack Doherty, Gabriel Aduaka (Jack Mulhern 74), Ronan Gallagher (Conor Black 83), Rian Akpitemyi (Luke Rudden 48), Corey McBride, Pat Loughrey (Jordan Gallagher 71).
Referee: Marty McGarrigle
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