Finn Harps suffered back-to-back defeats for only the second time this season as Treaty United returned to the Market’s Field with all three points in the bag.
By Stuart Connolly and Joe Boland at Finn Park
Even with the season at this early stage, there appears to be a few mini-leagues forming, and Treaty United are one of a few in the playoff hunters party along with Harps.
Finn Harps 0 – 2 Treaty United
Robbie Lynch scored an early opener, and the away side held that narrow lead at the interval.
Dara McGuinness and Gradi Lomboto had the best of the limited chances for Harps, and their defeat was ensured when Mark Byrne found the bottom corner as the game entered stoppage time.
After their first taste of defeat in over a month, four changes were made for the visit of Tommy Barrett’s Treaty United. Anto Dodd, William Oduwa, Gavin Hodgins and Joel Thompson all took a spot in the starting eleven.
The visitors got off to a good start, and a former player was involved as Harps fell behind inside six minutes. Karl O’Sullivan whipped in a corner from the left which caught David Aziaya off guard as he failed to grasp it, and Robbie Lynch was well placed to blast home the loose ball.
Treaty United came close to adding a second with 27 minutes on the stopwatch, but Aziaya did well to divert it over the bar.
Finn Harps began to get a foothold in the game, but ultimately struggled to create any clear-cut opportunities due to the defensive work of the opposition.
Gradi Lomboto was the most lively for the hosts when in an advanced position, and had the only sight of goal, although his view was partially obstructed by Evan O’Connor.
The hosts began the second half on the front foot as Patrick Ferry fired just over after some decent build-up play, while a couple of penalty appeals were waved away.
Just beyond the hour, Treaty United almost doubled their advantage. O’Sullivan was alert to the unfolding situation in the box, but fizzed an effort wide, while just moments later, Dara McGuinness headed over after an accurate cross from Lomboto.
With a little under 20 minutes to go, Treaty had their head in their hands, or more accurately, Richard Boevi did. Another corner from O’Sullivan was whipped in from the left, and bounced kindly for the substitute, but from less than six-yards out, he rifled it over the bar.
As Harps piled on the pressure in their quest for an equaliser, Treaty sensed an opportunity to counter and took advantage in the final stages of the game.
Mark Byrne received the ball just inside the Harps half, and after a near 30-yard run, he cut inside and curled the ball sweetly into the bottom right corner.
Finn Harps: David Aziaya; William Oduwa(Gavin Gilmore 70), Max Hutchison, Joel Thompson(Kevin Jordan 90), Josh Cullen; Anto Dodd(David Cawley 60), Tony McNamee, Gradi Lomboto, Gavin McAteer(Aaron McLaughlin 70), Patrick Ferry(Dara McGuinness 60); Gavin Hodgins.
Treaty United: Corey Chambers; Benjamin Lynch, Mark Walsh(Richard Boevi ht), Robbie Lynch, Evan O’Connor; Karl O’Sullivan, Eoin Martin, Steven Healy(Connor Wilson 90), Lee Devitt; Mark Byrne, Yousef Mahdy(David Tarmey 68)
Referee: Ryan Maher
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