Finn Harps0
Finn Harps’ last away game of a difficult season ended in a deflating 3-0 defeat at the hands of Limerick FC at Jackman Park on Friday night.
First half goals from Shane Treacy and Stephen O’ Flynn gave Pat Scully’s side an early le
ad in an end of season game of little consequence. Substitute Davy Ryan added to Harp’s misery in the second half to secure the three points for the Shannonsiders.
In what was expected to be a typical lacklustre end of season game, Limerick started lively and their local supporters, who numbered roughly 300, were rewarded with an untypical end of season performance.
Limerick nearly opened their account as early as the fifth minute, but the Donegal side’s teenage goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher was equal to John Tierney’s low effort.
The hosts continued to potter on, though, and those efforts were rewarded in the 15th minute when Treacy shot low after John Tierney’s cross. Treacy’s effort was fumbled by Gallagher and the young side from the Twin Towns found themselves a goal down.
Both teams were essentially playing for pride, but the determination of the Munster-based team was further rewarded in the 27th minute when the in-form O’ Flynn, formerly of Derry City and Cork City, doubled their lead with a superb finish from close range.
Harps were on the back foot as Limerick looked for a third. Both Daryl Kavanagh and Treacy were the most creative for Limerick in midfield. Tierney came close to number three in the 38th minute, but his effort was equalled by Gallagher who atoned for his previous error.
The visitors presumably got the hairdryer treatment from James Gallagher at the interval and it was a case of a game of two halves for a while as Harps looked to close the gap in the second half. And although the north-westerners had plenty of the ball and started to belatedly press, Limerick, who were forced to sit back and soak up their pressure, held firm.
At the other end, the ever-dangerous Treacy was the provider for Limerick as he played through Daryl Kavanagh, but his effort hit the side netting after 67 minutes of play. They regained control of the game and, after Pat Scully introduced Ryan and Robbie Kelleher, the home side pushed on for a third goal.
Limerick defended well and they put the result beyond doubt in the 79th minute when they hit Harps on the counter attack.
