WHEN DERRY CITY won the first-ever competitive derby with Finn Harps 7-2 in December 1985, it began a spell of dominance in a lop-sided rivalry.
Harps have won just twice in the League against the Candystripes, and just seven in total in 62 meetings.
Last night, Harps were beaten 5-0, their heaviest League defeat to Derry since that meeting in ’85 that ended Bobby Toland’s tenure as Harps manager, and their biggest loss in any competition to City since the 7-0 League Cup defeat in 1989.
“We all have to take blame,” Ollie Horgan, the Harps manager, told Donegal Sport Hub.
Picture caption: Barry Molloy of Finn Harps battles for possession with Lukas Schubert of Derry City. Picture by Gary Foy, newsandsportfile
“I felt that we lost a lot of confidence when the first goal went in, as we did last week in Dalymount when the game was there for the taking.
“We weren’t good enough. In the last 20 minutes, we were extremely poor.”
Aaron McEneff netted twice from the penalty spot in the first half before ex-Harps man Nathan Boyle scored a third early in the second half with Lukas Schubert and Keith Ward added late goals.
[adrotate group=”50″]Replays later confirmed that Ciaran Coll was two yards outside the box when he took Schubert to ground in the incident that resulted in the first penalty.
Horgan said: “My only complaint is that the first penalty was outside the area. Our players were adamant about that. Derry ran out worthy winners. That was only one goal – what excuse had you for the other four?
“The first goal was going to be crucial, but I’m taking nothing away from Derry; they were excellent.
[adrotate group=”37″]“After that they could have scored seven or eight and the performance in the last 20 minutes certainly isn’t good enough for this Division.”
Wexford Youths’ win over Longford Town last night means they’re now just five points behind Harps.
Horgan said: “It’s a tough place to be, we didn’t think it would be any easier than it is. We’re still hanging on. We need to fight and tonight we didn’t do that. I’d be disappointed with the way we let the heads go down. We have to dig it out and come back fighting.
“Yes, there was a lack of quality, but to be out-fought is the most hurtful part of it.”
[adrotate group=”70″]Listen to the full interview below …
https://soundcloud.com/donegalsporthub-club-notes/ollie-horgan-after-finn-harps-lose-to-derry-city
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