Finn Harps 1-3 Shelbourne

Shelbourne are back up to second in the League of Ireland First Division table following this hard earned win over Finn Harps at Finn Park.

The game went ahead despite heavy rain in the North West and despite the heavy underfoot conditions, both sides served up a decent encounter.

Harps started best in a very open first half and were in front after 19 minutes. Fintan Bonner was fouled on the edge of the box by Alan Keely and Gary Whoriskey opened his Harps’ account with a wonderful free kick which beat the dive of Dean Delaney.

When they eventually got into their stride Shels did begin to cause a few problems. Tony Griffiths was denied by a fine save by Ciaran Gallagher before Griffiths eventually drew the sides level on the half hour, forcing the ball home from close range.

Within three minutes, the Dubliners were in front. Stephen McLaughlin was robbed of possession close to half way and Shels mounted a blistering attack which ended with Derek Doyle running onto Richie Baker’s lay-off to crack the ball into the top corner.

Substitute Anthony Flood rounded off the scoring with Shels’ third on 79 minutes.

Finn Harps: Gallagher, Rossiter, Whoriskey, Mailey, Sharkey, Funston, Conaghan (McMenamin 71), McGowan, McLaughlin, F. Bonner, Brolly (Gethins 71).

Shelbourne: Delaney, Quigley, Hedderman, Keely (Synnott 56), Brennan, M. O’Brien, McAllister, Cassidy, Griffiths (Flood 72), Doyle, Baker (C. O’Brien 48).

Referee: P. Cashcara.