Jesse Devers struck a brilliant winner in the final minute of added time to seal a fourth win on the spin for Finn Harps.
Finn Harps 1 Galway United 0
After three wins on the trot, Harps came into this one with confidence high, but they had to wait until the dying seconds, when Mayo native Devers came up with the heroics.
Devers’ goal was of real quality and came just when this one was heading for a stalemate. Devers, a new recruit this season, picked the perfect time to fire home a stunning strike.
Ciaran O’Connor headed over from a Lee Toland free on 14 minutes as a new-look Harps threatened a breakthrough goal.
Toland, Mark Hannon, Jesse Devers and John O’Flynn were all elevated into the starting line-up, while there was a debut for young Niall McGinley, who has impressed for the club’s under-19 and Ulster Senior League teams of late.
Carlton Ubaezuonu was denied by Ciaran Gallagher and Alan Murphy’s powerful volley from the resulting corner was off target.
McGinley showed up well and saw a shot blocked away for a corner.
The visitors went close in the 56th minute when Eoin McCormack was thwarted by a strong stop by Ciaran Gallagher.
Galway had a big penalty appeal just after the hour when they claimed Gary Shanahan’s effort had connected with the arm of Lee Toland.
Harps sent on Paddy McCourt for the final 12 minutes and he fired just over from a free kick.
With the minutes ticking away, Murphy saw a free blocked away as Galway sought a way of sneaking a win and, three minutes from time, sub Stephen Kenny shot tamely and Harps were able to clear.
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher, AIdan Friell, Keith Cowan, Ciaran Coll, Lee Toland, Niall McGinley (Mark Coyle 68), Tommy McBride, Mark Hannon (Paddy McCourt 78), Jesse Devers, John O’Flynn, Ciaran O’Connor (BJ Banda 82).
Galway United: Tadhg Ryan, Robbie Williams, Stephen Walsh, Gary Shanahan, Maurice Nugent, Carlton Ubaezuonu, Alan Murphy, Conor Melody (Danny Furlong 68), Ryan Connolly, Conor Barry (Stephen Kenny 86), Eoin McCormack.
