It was another tale of what might have been for Finn Harps as Ollie Horgan’s men fell to a defeat that leaves them clinging perilously to their Premier Division lives.
Finn Harps 0 Dundalk 2
Pictures by Joe Boland, North West News Pix
On an evening when only 626 turned up at the Ballybofey venue, Brian Gartland headed home a 66th minute corner from Jamie McGrath, who then copper-fastened the win with a goal off the last kick of the game.
It had been an evening when Harps looked for long spells as if they were going to frustrate the champions to the point of taking a point – but they were much too generous in their defending as Gartland rose to nod in the opener.
Harps argued, justifiably it must be added, that Sean Houston had been fouled in the build-up to Dundalk winning the corner. Their displeasure was voiced at the end to referee Paul Tuite at the end but, by then, the damage had been inflicted.
The game was devoid atmosphere, with the presence of the RTÉ cameras and the early kick-off time hitting Harps’ coffers badly and the mood fell further with news that Galway United picked up a point in Bray and St Patrick’s Athletic defeated Limerick FC.
Harps had a glorious chance in the 23rd minute when a mix-up between ‘keeper Gary Rogers and Gartland presented Eddie Dsane with a golden opportunity.
With the net gaping, Dsane shot agonisingly wide from 18 yards.
Earlier, Dsane was played in by a delightful through ball by Houston, but Rogers was out to gather at the feet of the Harps attacker.
Dundalk began well and Robbie Benson’s glancing header from Dylan Connolly’s delicious cross whizzed just wide.
It took a superb save from Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher to deny Thomas Stewart when he let fly after connecting with a centre from Connolly.
Gallagher had to be alert soon after to save from Carlton Ubaezuonu on the half-hour.
With one eye clearly on Tuesday’s FAI Cup semi-final replay against Shamrock Rovers, Dundalk boss Stephen Kenny made five changes to his team with David McMillan, Patrick McEleney, Michael Duffy, Stephen O’Donnell and Niclas Vemmelund absent.
Dundalk gave a first League start to Jake O’Connor with youngster Ubaezuonu among the others elevated.
Dundalk were hit yesterday by the news that midfielder Conor Clifford was slapped by a six-month ban for betting offences.
Clifford was suspended for this one, in any case, due to an accumulation of five bookings.
Just after half-time, Sean Gannon tested Gallagher, who gathered at the second attempt from a thumping effort by the full-back.
Harps welcomed back captain Ciaran Coll while Paddy McCourt, Houston and Ethan Boyle all came through late fitness tests.
After Gartland broke the deadlock, Harps did threatened a leveler. Damien McNulty saw a header palmed away by Rogers while the defender headed another wide
Late in the game, Gallagher magnificently turned over a header by sub Duffy, but McGrath dinked in the second in the fifth minute of added time and Dundalk keep Cork waiting to pop the champagne.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Damien McNulty, Kilian Cantwell, Ciaran Coll, Gareth Harkin; Ethan Boyle (Ibrahim Keita 80), Sean Houston, Tommy McBride, Mark Timlin; Paddy McCourt (Caolan McAleer 55); Eddie Dsane (BJ Banda 74).
Dundalk: Gary Rogers; Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Sean Hoare, Shane Grimes; Robbie Benson, Jamie McGrath; Dylan Connolly (Michael Duffy 80), Jake O’Connor (Stephen O’Donnell 61), Carlton Ubaezuonu (David McMillan 56); Thomas Stewart.
Referee: Paul Tuite (Dublin)
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