Finn Harps 2-0 Salthill Devon
Friday, 12 March 2010 22:18Striker Kevin McHugh set Finn Harps on the way to their first win of the season as they overcame newcomers Salthill Devon at Finn Park.
The talented striker, back with the club for a second spell, crowned his 250th appearance with a firm header as he met a Marc Brolly cross in the 82nd minute.
And Harps then added a second in stoppage time through substitute Shaun McGowan to seal the points.
Salthill, who had lost their first ever League of Ireland game against Athlone Town the previous week, began well, but gradually Harps took control of the game.
However, they found it difficult to unlock the Salthill defence. Harps' first real shot on target did not materialise until the 44th minute when Kevin McHugh played the ball into the path of Michael Funston, but he fired straight at Ronan Forde.
At the other end, Ciaran Gallagher had a scare in the 36th minute when he spilled a long range free from Sean Murphy, but he recovered in time.
Harps, after a stern half-time team-talk, lifted their game at the start of the second half with Walsh having a shot saved from close range and Funston firing over as the pressure was increased.
Davitt Walsh then had a goal disallowed for Harps before they struck through McHugh and McGowan for a deserved victory.
Finn Harps: Gallagher, Doherty, Crossan, Minnock, Mailey, Funston, McLaughlin, Walsh, McHugh, Brolly, Lafferty.
Subs: McGowan for Walsh (66 mins).
Salthill Devon: Forde, Quinlan, Murphy, Geraghty, Whelan, McConnell, Horgan, Boyle, Marienek, Kennedy, O'Leidhinn.
Subs: Browne for Horgan (64 mins), Shovlin for Marienek (68 mins), Hoctor for Quinlann (76 mins).
Referee: Mr P McLaughlin.
