Third victory keeps Harps in shake-up
BOYNE HARPS CARRICK ROVERS 3 1
BOYNE Harps are emerging as serious contenders to succeed neighbours Newfoundwell as Premier Division champions after they continued their 100% start to the season in United Park last Thursday.
However, they made heavy weather of overcoming a Carrick side who had conceded seven to Trim Celtic in their first game since promotion from Division 1.
Not surprisingly, the Drogheda outfit dominated possession from start to finish, but they lacked a cutting edge in attack in the first half - apart from in the 10th minute when Guy Bates released Carl Dowling whose instant cross was volleyed home by Graham Reynolds, only to have the goal chalked off for offside.
That disputed decision was followed by the double whammy of a shock Carrick goal coming up to the 20-minute mark.
Their right midfielder cut in from the flank, beating two defenders along the way, before striking a brilliantly placed shot that nestled in the far corner of the net despite keeper Jason Lowney getting a hand on the ball.
Despite Harps’ best efforts they couldn’t find a way through a well-drilled and extremely hard-working Carrick defence and the Monaghan side still held that slender 1-0 advantage going into the half-time break.
However, a bit of a tactical tweak during the interval and some tough talking by manager Wayne Wright had the desired impact and within five minutes of the themselves level.
Kevin Walsh delivered a cross from the right, and with Bates offside he sensibly left the ball to the onrushing Carl Dowling who took a touch before dinking a lovely finish over the Carrick keeper.
Then, on 58 minutes, Harps completed the turnaround as a corner kick was half-cleared towards the edge of the penalty area from where Danny Coyle rifled a shot to the top corner for a rare goal.
The Carrick keeper did very well to palm a 30-yard Bates free kick round the post and he foiled the former Drogheda United star again when saving bravely at his feet.
Harps eventually extended their lead in the 75th minute when Reynolds’ touch took him past a defender in the penalty box before he fired decisively past the Carrick netminder from six yards.
Martin Kelly missed a similar chance to make it 4-1 near the end when he went for power instead of placement from close range and skied the ball over the crossbar.
Harps, who lie second a point behind Muirhevnamor with a game in hand, will be looking to make it four wins from four and move top of the table when they host Bellurgan United in their next assignment this Wednesday in United Park.
BOYNE HARPS: restart Harps had hauled