Harps come away with win thanks to Bates
GUY Bates showed he hasn’t lost the goal-scoring touch that helped secure league glory for Drogheda United 11 years ago as his two goals decided this NEFL Premier contest at Tully Park on Sunday.
Indeed, the 32-year-old striker was only denied a hat-trick by the woodwork as Boyne Harps picked up an impressive opening-day win over Alan Murphy’s Trim Celtic.
It was a hard-fought match, with the referee kept busy issuing yellow cards, and first blood went to the visitors as Trim failed to deal with a Kevin Walsh cross and Bates popped up at the back post to drill a low shot to the net.
However, the Meath club were soon back on level terms as Brian Faulkner slotted past keeper Jason Lowney after the ball had ricocheted fortuitously into his path.
In the second quarter Harps had the better scoring opportunities, with Graham Reynolds threatening on a couple of occasions from distance and Danny Coyle also striking from long range, to no avail.
It stayed 1-1 going into the interval, but straight after the restart
TRIM CELTIC BOYNE HARPS 1 2
Harps edged in front for the second time. The move started with Coyle winning possession with a tremendous tackle and midfield and a pass out to the wing enticed the Trim keeper out of his goal.
However, Bates was first to the ball and, with the netminder in no man’s land, the former Drogs hero somehow drilled a low shot to the net from a very tight angle.
For the next 20 minutes Harps looked like they might add to their tally as Stephen Carter’s free kick was tipped over the bar and Martin Kelly caused problems for the Trim defence.
Bates, chasing his hat-trick goal, was out of luck when another drilled effort hit the inside of the post and rolled agonisingly across the six-yard line.
Having survived that difficult spell, Trim brought on a substitute who immediately made an impact with his greater physicality, and together with former Newfoundwell striker Anto Burke and Colm Kearney the hosts began to look threatening.
However, the Harps back four held their nerve and keeper Lowney also showed a safe pair of hands to ensure Wayne Wright’s men held onto their slender lead to earn three excellent points. BOYNE HARPS: Jason Lowney, Kevin Walsh (Tom Reilly), Manny Smith, Luke McDonnell, James Traynor, Darren McCann, Danny Coyle, Graham Reynolds (Nathan Seery), Guy Bates, Martin Kelly (Carl Dowling), Stephen Carter. Subs not used: Michael Matthews, Mickey Leech, Conor Tully.