In blustery conditions in Cockhill, a youthful Harps side matched their more experienced opponents for long periods.
Cockhill Celtic 3 Finn Harps Reserves 1
On two minutes, Cockhill threatened when James Bradley’s hooked cross was headed back across goal by Bart Wesolowski but Harps scrambled clear.
Harps responded and had their first chance when a teasing Jordan Gallagher cross from the right narrowly evaded Luke Rudden before Jason Breslin cleared the danger.
The corner was cleared to Gerry Gill who advanced through midfield. He found James Bradley who released Marty Doherty on the right. Doherty”s pinpoint cross was converted by Wesolowski from close range.
It was 2-0 on 19 minutes. Mark Moran’s cross from the left appeared to be over Wesolowski but he adjusted and fired home an acrobatic volley.
Harps were still in the game and had a great chance. Cockhill keeper Jason McCallion did well to smother a Karl McGinley effort. The ball broke to Rudden whose well hit shot was brilliantly parried by McCallion before Breslin completed the clearance.
Any hopes of a second half comeback from Harps were dashed on 50 minutes when the home side went 3-0 up, Gerry Gill’s free kick squirming past Joe Boyle.
Harps did pull a goal back on 58 minutes when a cross from the left was volleyed home by Niall McGinley.
Cockhill were sitting in, conceded possession and playing on the break. They almost had a fourth when substitute Aaron Nash squared for Daniel Doherty who dragged his shot wide.
Harps had the final chance if note when Keelan McGill headed wide from a McGinley corner.
Cockhill Celtic: Jason McCallion, Paul McDermott, Jason Breslin, Peter Doherty, Ethan Canning, Gerard McLaughlin, Gerry Gill, James Bradley, Mark Moran, Marty Doherty, Bart Wesolowski
Finn Harps Reserves: Joe Boyle, Corey Lee Bogan, Pat Loughrey, Keelan McGill, Keenan Diver, Niall McGinley, Jordan Gallagher, Stephen Doherty, Luke Rudden, Timmie Subawale, Karl McGinley
Referee: Marty McGarrigle
