Kenny settles north-west derby
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division Sligo Rovers
Finn Harps Harps goalkeeper Mark McGinley, who looked to clear a ball back to him from Shane McEleney. But young Kenny’s pressure
1
blocked custodian McGinley’s
0 attempted clearance and the Leaving Certificate student had the simple task of tapping the loose ball into the unguarded net. This goal sparked Rovers, who consistently created further chances, albeit without adding the insurance of a second goal. A brilliant slalom by winger Jordan Gibson, where he brought the ball from the centre circle to the Harps penalty area, ended up with Johnny Kenny’s fierce, low cross that was begging to be converted.
Walter Figueira, increasingly a threat on the left wing, especially as he cut in to shoot with his right foot, went close with two well-struck shots and a brace of crosses – Mark McGinley had to deal with each of these. There were also two more attempts from Gibson – a fine drive that was lashed just over and an on-target effort that McGinley stopped.
Harps, despite absorbing lots of pressure and being grateful for Mark McGinley’s reflexes, were still only a mistake or an unlikely moment or magic away from equalising.
THIS was the game where Riverstown teenager Johnny Kenny came of age.
By scoring the winner against Finn Harps last Saturday night, a finish that was all about selfless persistence, he joined a select group of locals who have netted at least once for their home club at senior level.
He also continued a family tradition – and gave organisers of future Bit O’Red Supporters Trust table quizzes a handy question – because his father, also called Johnny and also a hero of Riverstown, was a player for and scorer with the Bit O’Red.
Substitute Kenny’s 51st goal broke the deadlock in a north-west derby that was desperately scrappy but absolutely competitive.
Brought on for the start of the second-half, replacing a subdued Ryan De Vries (who, ironically, was Kenny’s replacement at the interval of the previous game against Shams), Kenny appeared to have gone down a cul-de-sac when he went about pressing
The visitors, for whom Will Seymore did well, so to Kosovar Sadiki, almost dug out a real opportunity in the last minute of normal time.
Ryan Shanley’s ball reached the outstretched leg of fellow substitute Sean Boyd, who couldn’t get sufficient power on the effort to trouble Ed McGinty. The first-half, eventually controlled by Rovers once they got over the fact that Harps would be in their faces at every turn, was a tortuous slog.
The early exchanges resulted in John Mahon having a shot blocked and Jordan Gibson firing the ball over from a Greg Bolger pass.
Rovers were starting to weave moves but occasional sloppy turnovers was their undoing.
One neat combination after 30 minutes summed up the home side’s collective frustration.
Greg Bolger, Walter Figueira – again busy – and Ryan De Vries unlocked the door for Romeo Parkes, whose path was then blocked.
Garry Buckley tried something basic – but different – six minutes later. His lofted ball over the top reached Romeo Parkes. The striker’s touch was good and so too the powerful volley goalwards – but Mark McGinley expertly tipped the ball over for a corner.
Romeo Parkes set up Jordan Gibson for a 44th minute shot on target – Ryan De Vries looked to be in space for a pass from Gibson, however – and that concluded a forgettable opening period. Just four minutes into the second-half Parkes headed over from a good position – the tasty delivery from the flank belonged to Jordan Gibson. But there was better to come.
Best for Rovers: Niall Morahan
Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Colm Horgan, John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Jordan Gibson, Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger (c), Walter Figueira; Romeo Parkes (David Cawley 78); Ryan De Vries (Johnny Kenny 46)
Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Lewis Banks, Mark Byrne, Regan Donelon, Darren Collins, Scott Lynch, Peter Maguire
Finn Harps: Mark McGinley; Ethan Boyle (Stephen Doherty 70), Shane McEleney, Kosovar Sadiki, David Webster (c); Karl O’Sullivan (Stephen Folan 83), Mark
Coyle, Will Seymore (Sean Boyd 83), Barry McNamee; Mark Russell (Ryan Shanley 70), Adam Foley (Tunde Owolabi 55)
Subs not used: Patrick McGarvey (goalkeeper), Niall McGinley, Ryan Rainey, Tony McNamee
Referee: Paul McLoughlin