Youths make a tame cup exit
Finn Harps advance to last 16
A GOAL in each half gave Finn Harps a comfortable victory over a disappointing Wexford Youths in this lack-lustre F.A.I. Cup third round clash at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday last.
With the sides having met three times in the league before this game, all having ended in draws, one expected a close-run affair, but apart from the tense finish the Donegal team dominated proceedings for most of the 90 minutes.
Enjoying plenty of possession through the opening half hour, they took the lead after 25 minutes when Tommy McMonagle got his head to a Gareth Harkin cross to glide the ball just inside the right-hand post. It was the first clearcut chance of the game, with the home side having started positively but failing to get one shot on goal during that opening spell.
The goal poked Wexford Youths into life but they were unable to pull the goal back despite long-range efforts from Danny Furlong and Ben Ryan which both failed to find the target, leaving the visitors leading 1-0 at the interval.
But within six minutes of the re-start the home side came close to levelling when Peter Higgins' low drive was pushed around the post for a corner that was subsequently cleared.
The Youths were playing with more impetus but were unable to break down the visitors’ back four as their moves continually floundered in front of a packed goalmouth.
Harps took full advantage of a quick counter-attack. With central defender Killian Cantwell failing to clear his lines, substitute Michael Funston, just into the game one minute, took full advantage to drive the ball under advancing ’keeper Doyle to make it 2-0 after 73 minutes. This left the home side with a real mountain to climb if they were to qualify for the final 16 for the very first time.
Wexford Youths were left chasing the game but Harps, who defended well, saw ’keeper Wynn not having to deal with a direct shot until the closing minute when Dean Broaders forced the ball over the line from close in to make it 2-1.
Wexford Youths resume their bid to reclaim the third promotion spot this Saturday evening when they travel away to play Cobh Ramblers in Division 1.
Cobh are always difficult opponents on home soil but nothing less than the three points will suffice for the Youths if they are to continue their pressure on third-placed Galway United.
The Youths have lost two valuable players, Daryl Power who has moved to neighbours Waterford United, and centre-back C.J. Browne who has returned to Freebooters.
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Graham Doyle, Craig McCabe (Dean Broaders, 67), Killian Cantwell, Stephen Last, Ryan Delaney, Craig Shortt, Peter Higgins, Shane Dunne, Eric Molloy, Danny Furlong, Ben Ryan (Shane Nolan, 67).
FINN HARPS
Conor Wynn, Damien McNulty, Keith Cowan, Tommy McMonagle, Ciarán Coll, Josh Mailey, Brian McGrory (Michael Funston, 72), Pat McCann, Seán McCarron (Ger O'Callaghan, 79), Kevin McHugh, Gareth Harkin. VENUE: Ferrycarrig Park.
REFEREE: Jim McKell. ATTENDANCE: 250.