‘Perfect’ Harps are on track
BOYNE Harps are one step closer to succeeding Drogheda rivals Newfoundwell as the NEFL Premier champions after a hardfought victory over Rock Celtic at Sandy Lane on Friday night.
A very young Rock Celtic side managed by former Dundalk and Drogheda United defender Padraig Gollogley put it up to Wayne Wright’s charges who didn’t clinch victory until the 90th minute. However, the three points were fully deserved by Harps who look like heading for a winner-takes-all title decider against Muirhevnamor in a few weeks’ time.
First, though, there is the small matter of a Drogheda derby against the outgoing champions Newfoundwell this Friday and the ‘Well will no doubt have their hearts set on putting an end to their neighbours’ 100% record in the league this season.
Harps, still smarting from their Challenge Cup exit at the hands of Bay the week before last, were missing talisman Guy Bates and nerves were evident when miscommunication led to a chance for the home side which was snuffed out by keeper Jason Lowney.
However, the Drogheda men settled down after 20 minutes or so and William Woods fired wide after fine work by Bernard Osborne, before Osborne himself hit two inviting cross-shots which came to nothing. Stephen Carter also
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went close with a free kick from 25 yards, but the game reached half-time with no goals.
On the restart, though, Harps stepped up a gear as Rock began to drop deeper, and the all-important first goal arrived around the 65-minute mark when right-back Kevin Walsh skipped down the wing, beating a defender, before crossing towards Woods who positioned himself between two defenders and planted a diving header to the net from six yards.
Forced to attack, Rock did make some headway in the latter stages with their quick breaks, but no clear-cut opportunities resulted as Lowney patrolled his penalty area with conviction.
Still, there was some relief when the insurance second goal arrived in the 90th minute. Carl Dowling, who had come on as a sub for Woods, broke down the right and cut inside before squaring the ball low to Carter who had a simple tap-in from close range.
BOYNE HARPS: Jason Lowney, Kevin Walsh, Manny Smith, Luke McDonnell, James Traynor, Darren McCann, Danny Coyle, Graham Reynolds (Mickey Leech), Bernard Osborne (Martin Kelly), Stephen Carter, William Woods (Carl Dowling). Subs not used: Dylan Rice, Jack Boylan, Nathan Seery.