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Main image: Sean Barton almost scored a third goal for Finn Harps tonight. Picture: NorthWest NewsPix.
League leaders Cork City edged out struggling Fern Harps 1-0 at Turners Cross this evening thanks to a brilliant 63rd minute goal from teenage prodigy Cathal O’Sullivan.
Cork City 1
Finn’s Harp 0
The Harps made the long journey south to take on First Division leaders Cork City and Darren Murphy will no doubt feel his side deserved to be rewarded for their efforts.
The home side have been in excellent form so far this season and before tonight’s game they are 15 points clear at the top of the table, well on their way to clinching the title and securing a return to the Premier League next season. For Finn Harps, any positive result will have a positive impact on their efforts to continue their challenge for the play-off places.
Murphy made four changes from last week’s win over Kerry FC, with Connor Tulish, Stephen Doherty, Dave Cowley and Aaron McLaughlin all starting, with new signing Gavin Gilmour remaining on the bench. The Harps started well, with Sean Barton’s shot just wide. In the opening minutes, Connor Tulish headed just wide from a corner, and Jamie Watson’s long-range shot just hit the crossbar. It took Cork a while to settle, then they fought back and created a chance in the 16th minute when Evan McLaughlin’s shot hit Malik Dykstier and headed home, but the Harps pulled through with solid defending and some good fortune. The chances became fewer and the game became a little more intense – the Harps received several yellow cards, while several Cork players were lucky not to be booked. Connor Tulish came close again in the 34th minute when his header hit the post from Barry McNamee’s free kick, and then he made a super tackle to keep out Jack Doherty’s shot in the 45th minute. The score remained level at 0 at half time, with the Harps dominating the game.
I’m running out of words to describe this lad but Cathal O’Sullivan is a joke! 🤩
What a goal, what a talent! 🚀pic.twitter.com/496ik3vaQ5
— Irish Player Tracker (@reptracker) July 12, 2024
Early in the second half, Ryan Rainey and Sean Patton were both booked, reducing Harps’ total to four goals, and with plenty of time remaining they were under enormous pressure to avoid a numerical advantage for the home side. Harps made three substitutions in the 60th minute, with Max Johnston, Gavin McAteer and debutant Gavin Gilmore coming on to inject some new life into the game. But three minutes later, Cork took the lead. Youngster Cathal O Sullivan scored, curling in a 25-yard effort that left the Harps goalkeeper with no chance. Harps made a few more substitutions, with Darragh Coyle and Noa Baba coming on as they struggled to get something out of the game. Gavin Gilmore’s shot was saved, Sean Patton’s header was blocked, and Gavin McAteer’s shot was finally saved in the 94th minute. Harps were outstanding against the league leaders, only to be beaten by the real class and skill of super talented teenager Cathal O Sullivan. In other games tonight, Athlone Town and Wexford Youths beat Longford and Cobh respectively, while Kerry FC vs Brasides and UCD vs Treaty United both ended in draws. Harps remain in fourth place and will travel to face Treaty United next Friday night.
Cork City ; Brad Wade, Sean Coleman, Charlie Lyons, Greg Bolger, Malik Dicksteel (Sean Murphy 68 minutes), Evan McLaughlin, Barry Coffey (Aaron Healy 80 minutes), Conor Drinan (Josh Fitzpatrick 67 minutes), Darragh Crowley, Jack Doherty, Cathal O’Sullivan (Matthew Kiernan 87 minutes), Fen Harp; Tim Heimer, Jamie Watson, Conor Tourish (Noa Baba 78 minutes), Matthew Makinson, Stephen Doherty (Darragh Coyle 72 minutes), Ryan Rainey (Max Johnston 60 minutes), Dave Cawley, Tony McNamee, Aaron McLaughlin (Gavin Gilmore 60 minutes), Sean Patton, Patrick Ferry (Gavin McAteer 60 minutes).
O’Sullivan’s brilliant strike halts a brave Harps attack at Turners Cross Last Modified: July 12, 2024 go through
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