Finn Harps ended a rotten run for the second time this season, defeating Sligo Rovers 2-0 at Finn Park. Entering the game on a six game losing streak, Nathan Boyle sent them on their way with a goal in each half to lift Ollie Horgan's side off the b
Finn Harps ended a rotten run for the second time this season, defeating Sligo Rovers 2-0 at Finn Park.
Entering the game on a six game losing streak, Nathan Boyle sent them on their way with a goal in each half to lift Ollie Horgan's side off the bottom of the table, although UCD have three games in hand. The defeat was Sligo's second in their last 11 outings as they remain sixth.
The game started in hectic fashion as Mark Anthony McGinley was tested in 90 seconds. Sam Warde struck a free kick some way out and it was headed for the top left corner but the netminder stretched to get a strong hand on it.
Less than five minutes later and Harps had the woodwork shaking. Raff Cretaro got past his marker down the left side and dinked in a cross, Nathan Boyle was ready and waiting less than two yards out but cannoned his header off the bar.
Just after the quarter hour mark, Harps fans were out of their seats. After retrieving the ball in midfield, Cretaro edged towards goal before fiercely striking, his shot was spilled by Ed McGinty and it slowly crawled towards the goal line before McGinty cleared. The fans appealed more so than the players but only the Sligo Keeper will know if it should have been a goal.
The sides were matching each other stride for stride but just shy of the half hour that changed as the hosts grabbed the lead.
Mark Russell whipped in a low cross from the left side and Boyle was running to meet it at the back post to prod home the opener.
Warde came close with the first effort of the match and came close again nearing the break as he saw a dipping half volley go narrowly wide of McGinley's goal as Harps took their lead into the interval.
The second half didn't witness the fast pace of the first, certainly not in the opening 15 minutes.
Both sides with a chance a piece. David Cawley sliced a shot narrowly wide after some good assist play from Kris Twardek while at the other end Boyle struck from close range but only stung the gloves of McGinty.
As the half wore on Harps maintained possession well and limited their opposition to half chances, with their defence standing firm and Raff Cretaro causing problems.
With a little over ten minutes to go, Harps doubled their lead. Heavy pressure caused a slip from Lewis Banks allowing Cretaro to snatch the ball before running at goal and laying off a short pass for Boyle who beat McGinty at his near post.
Boyle almost had a hat-trick moments later but was thwarted by the fingertips of the shot stopper.
The hosts did have the ball in the net a third time, in stoppage time. Tony McNamee, a late substitute for Cretaro, chipped the keeper after a shot from Mark Coyle but the linesman had his flag raised.
