Resilient Rovers are still on top
Second-half red card for Romeo Parkes mean Bit O’Red have to battle against dogged Finn Harps at Finn Park
VALUABLE AWAY WIN FOR PREMIER LEADERS:
ASPLENDID goal from full-back Lewis Banks, a world-class save from goalkeeper Ed McGinty and a resilience to hold onto their 2-1 lead following a red card for Romeo Parkes, who bagged his fourth goal of the season.
Welcome to the crazy, frenetic world of Premier Division leaders Sligo Rovers.
Despite an underwhelming display, several panicky defensive moments and having to stand tall when striker Romeo Parkes was dismissed after 62 minutes, the Bit O’Red just about defeated Finn Harps 2-1 at Ballybofey’s Finn Park last Friday night.
Better finishing from Harps’ powerful striker Babatunde Owolabi, who was also thwarted by Ed McGinty, could have quickly deflated the growing euphoria that has engulfed Rovers since the previous Monday’s win against Shams at Tallaght Stadium. The smattering of Rovers fans in attendance – peering excitedly through the perimeter fencing at one end of a venue that is earmarked for major redevelopment – and those watching via WATCHLOI’s live stream would have been left in awe at the quality of Ed McGinty’s instinctive save in the second minute of stoppage time. Substitute Sean Boyd’s header was goalbound and, just when the home side were about to celebrate a deserved equaliser, McGinty’s strong hand turned the ball over for a wow save to better his late stops that denied Dundalk at Oriel Park last month. Rovers headed to Ballybofey top of the pile following their heroics against the defending champions four days previously and manager Liam Buckley named an unchanged starting XI.
There were early hints of Babatunde Owolabi’s threat to warn Rovers, who went a goal up after six minutes. Robbie McCourt’s dangerous corner was batted clear by Harps goalkeeper Mark Anthony McGinley, but Romeo Parkes, stationed on the edge of the box, returned the clearance with a well-struck volley for his second goal in two games.
Incredibly, Rovers’ lead lasted less than a minute. Harps attacked down the right, their leading scorer Adam Foley crossed into the Rovers’ penalty area and Babatunde Owolabi swept the ball home. Harps were delirious as Ed McGinty looked on, incredulous. Rovers almost replied from another set-piece sent into the mixer. Lewis Banks’ saw his volley deflected for a corner after he got on the end of Greg Bolger’s floated delivery.
Harps continued to apply pressure and Ed McGinty was twice needed to prevent goal attempts from Babatunde Owolabi. There were opportunities spurned by David Webster and Adam Foley as Rovers were squirming. A brief reprieve for Rovers was Mark Byrne’s chance at the back
post – he stabbed the ball over from a Greg Bolger cross.
The first-half ended with Rovers again looking brittle. Babatunde Owolabi muscled past Garry Buckley but Ed McGinty advanced quickly to smother the danger. Then the Harps striker was narrowly off target as Rovers were let off the hook.
Rovers were a bit better in the second-half but it was Harps who should have gone in front after 55 minutes
when Adam Foley, who has already netted six times this season, dragged a shot wide.
Against the run of play Rovers regained the lead. Another corner, another Robbie McCourt ball in. It was frenetic as John Mahon got a head to it, Jordan Gibson tried an acrobatic volley and then possession came to Lewis Banks, who rifled a superb effort into Harps’ net.
But Rovers almost immediately shot
themselves in the foot. Romeo Parkes and Harps defender Kosovar Sadiki appeared to get involved in a tangle as both chased a ball that went out at the byline in the right corner.
The referee spotted something and showed Romeo Parkes a red card, while giving Kosovar Sadiki a yellow. With 28 minutes of normal time to go Rovers had to pull the shutters down, with fresh legs in one of the full-back positions (Colm Horgan replacing Lewis Banks) and Johnny Kenny later brought on as an attacking substitution (Walter Figueira made way). Harps, with more ball, tried to crank up the pressure but they almost conceded a third goal after 82 minutes. Jordan Gibson lashed a volley goalwards – the ball fizzed just over – from Johnny Kenny’s excellent cross. Stoppage time brought further drama. Sean Boyd should have scored for Harps but Ed McGinty produced the kind of save that can turn a season. McGinty’s brilliance ensured Rovers head into the mid-season break on top.
Best for Rovers: Robbie McCourt
Finn Harps: Mark Anthony McGinley; Ethan Boyle, Shane McEleney, Kosovar Sadiki (Tony McNamee 84), David Webster (c) (Johnny Dunleavy 67); Karl O’Sullivan (Sean Boyd 78), Will Seymore (Ryan Connolly 78), Mark Coyle, Barry McNamee; Adam Foley (Mark Russell 84), Babatunde Owolabi
Subs not used: Patrick McGarvey (gk), Conor Barry, Stephen Doherty, Ryan Rainey Sligo Rovers: Ed McGinty; Lewis Banks (Colm Horgan 65), John Mahon, Garry Buckley, Robbie McCourt; Niall Morahan, Greg Bolger (c); Mark Byrne, Jordan Gibson, Walter Figueira (Johnny Kenny 77); Romeo Parkes
Subs not used: Richard Brush (gk), Ryan De Vries, Shane Blaney, John Russell, Regan Donelon, Cillian Heaney, Peter Maguire Referee: Paul McLaughlin