It was a positive start to preseason for Finn Harps with a hard-fought draw against Derry City at Finn Park this afternoon.
Today’s match marked the first pre-season friendly hosted in Ballybofey in 11 years for Harps as they took on their North West rivals.
It was Derry City who struck first with Michael Duffy finding the back of the net for the Candystripes in the sixth minute.
Then just before the stroke of half-time Ryan Flood levelled it up for Harps with a superb solo goal, dribbling past several defenders before unleashing a viscious strike.
Derry pulled ahead again just after half-time, with a strike from Patton finding the net in the 47th minute.
However late on in the game Harps were able to pull level again with Max Hutchinson putting the ball in the back of the Derry net following a dangerous cross from Chris Lotefa.
All in all, a positive start to Harps’ pre-season, as they look to rebound from a torrid 2023 campaign back in the First Division.