MU14
Our MU14s recorded a fantastic win on Sunday as they overcame Dundalk at LCC. Lukas Doherty gave Harps the lead before, Odhran McHugh doubled the advantage. Finn Devine added a 3rd late in the game. Ronan McGranaghan claimed the POTM with a top performance, assisting 2 goals.
WU19
Sligo Rovers WU19 1-2 Finn Harps WU19
Harps showed their intentions early in this game when Heidi Gill shot from the edge of the box just past the post in the 2nd minute of the match. Orlaith Doherty was leading the line very well for Harps as they enjoyed periods of sustained possession early in the game.
Sligo earned a few early corners but the Harps defence stood firm with Darcey Kelly and Erika Gallagher exceptional. Maryanne Ward and Freya Canning combined very well up the right side, creating good opportunities for Harps.
The opening goal came in the 25th minute when Aislinn Coll won the ball back and set up Codie Walsh who shot from 30 yards and her shot dipped under the bar to give Harps the lead.
Early in the second half Aislinn Coll produced a great bit of skill and passed to Ella McHugh, who drove at the Sligo defence and blasted home from 25 yards, giving the Sligo no chance. Niamh Ryan had a superb 2nd half as she drove her team on.
Sligo pulled a goal back when a great through ball by Doddy released McIntyre and she gave Harps keeper Claire Diver no chance with a neat finish.
Good play by Oliva Maxwell on the wing found Bridin Hynes and she played in Emily Irwin but the Sligo defender got back to cover well.
Harps held out for an impressive three points which means they can qualify for the ¼ finals if they can beat Dundalk on Sunday in Finn Park at 5pm.
Niamh Ryan, Aislinn Coll and Erika Gallagher shared the POTM Award but it was another fine team performance.
WU17
Harps 0 – 2 Dundalk
Harps WU17 competed in another extremely tight game versus top of the table Dundalk this past weekend. Dundalk were on top in the first half with Shannon capitalising on a defensive mistake before she laid it off to the lively Marut who slid the ball past the home keeper to make it 1 nil at the break.
Harps were the much better side in the 2nd half with some good spells of possession and some good chances. The best chance fell for Sophie McLaughlin who was played in by Sienna Bradley down the left flank. McLaughlin beat both defenders but was unable to beat the keeper. On the 75th minute McLaughlin was unlucky again as she found herself 1v1 with the keeper. A magnificent through ball by Sarah McGuinness found McLaughlin over the top, however the keeper rushed out to make a great stop to keep it 1 nil.
This tight contest was not settled until injury time after the 90 minutes were played when Harps were pressing for an equaliser.
Dundalk counter attacked after stealing possession in midfield. The dangerous Owusu found herself in a 1v1 attacking position in the box, and after a deflection, her shot cannoned into the top corner to ensure 3 points for the away side. This was not what Harps deserved but they can be happy with their second half performance.
Sarah McGuinness and Sophie McLaughlin always carried a threat for the home team and shared the POTM.
MU15
Our 15s were at Finn Park on Saturday as they beat Dundalk in a vital game at the top of the group. Another superb performance from Leighton Green as the winger found the net 3 times, while Temple Akpo also got on the scoresheet. Odhran McHugh once again produced a POTM display.
MU20
Harps MU20s were part of a fantastic game as they hosted Sligo Rovers last weekend. Sligo took the lead on 27 minutes, but Adam McDaid got Harps back on terms six minutes later. Sligo hit the front again just after half time but a quick fire double just after the hour mark from Nathan McDaid and Caoimhin Bonnar saw the home side turn it around. In the end though the game ended in a draw as the visitors grabbed a later leveller so the game finished 3-3.
MU17
Harps MU17s played out a draw as they hosted Drogheda United last weekend. Drogheda went ahead after just 5 minutes, but Harps hit back quickly through Conor Gibson. Despite the fast start the scoring ended there, as the spoils were shared at Leckview Park.
Harps Academy Thanks James Rodgers
Finn Harps Academy would like to give a massive thanks to our out-going committee member James Rodgers who steps down from his role. James has played a significant role in growing the Academy over the years and has seen the Academy go from strength to strength.
The support that James has shown has seen the Academy continue to develop players for the 1st Team with a number of successes throughout the years. Thanks to James for all the structures that he has helped put in place within the Academy.
