Cobh Ramblers manager Stephen Henderson was resolute in the face of Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat at home to Finn Harps. Late second half goals at a bitterly cold St. Colman’s Park from John O’ Flynn and Ciaran O’Connor ensured the visitors took al
Cobh Ramblers manager Stephen Henderson was resolute in the face of Saturday evening’s 2-0 defeat at home to Finn Harps.
Late second half goals at a bitterly cold St. Colman’s Park from John O’ Flynn and Ciaran O’Connor ensured the visitors took all 3 points back to Ballybofey with them.
Ramblers missed three glorious chances in the second half from Leonard, Taylor and Phillips, one in particular forcing Harps keeper Ciaran Gallagher into a world class save, but manager Henderson refused to dwell on those opportunities.
“There are a lot of genuine positives to take from tonight. That probably was the best we have played in the last year and on a very difficult pitch. It’s hard to criticise any of the boys. I felt that we were the better team the whole night but when we got into the final third it just didn’t happen for us.
“We had some good chances. Kevin (Taylor) had a brilliant chance that just went pass the post and then their goalkeeper made a fabulous save from Pierce (Phillips) so we were really trying to push it but the goal took the wind out of our sails.
“2-0 wasn’t a fair reflection of the match but you get some of those nights, it just wasn’t meant to be.”
Henderson was quick to acknowledge the opposition and highlighted that Harps will be one of the main teams pushing for promotion this year.
“We knew Finn Harps would make it a battle. Everyone knows we have a young side so we picked a team that could sustain a battle. I thought we did that brilliantly.
“Yes we are gutted with the result but Harps are one of the favourites to go up and that’s what I’ve told the lads in the dressing room. We are not far behind so let’s kick on.
“We have to get those three points back somewhere so we look to go to Shels now next week and get the win.”
