Jul 10
17
Waterford rescue point against unlucky Finn Harps
Airtricity League Division One
Finn Harps 1
Waterford United 1
Game played at Finn Park, Ballybofey
Substitute Willie John Kiely crashed home a 79th minute equaliser as Waterford United rescued a point from their trip to Finn Park yesterday evening.
After last week’s home defeat against Monaghan United, the Blues could ill-afford another slip-up in their quest for promotion.
After a tame opening spell, Vinny Sullivan spurned four chances in a 16 minute spell for Waterford while at the other end Packie Mailey fired wide with the home side’s first real opportunity on 24 minutes.
But against the run of play, Harps stole the lead with Thomas Bonner venturing into the box and crossing for Davitt Walsh to score from close range on 36 minutes.
Waterford struggled to lift their game in the second half and Harps, well marshalled at the back by Mailey, defended well.
But Kiely stabbed the ball in after Sullivan had hit the post and Liam Kearney’s effort had been blocked by Gallagher.
Harps nearly snatched a 90th minute winner but Kevin Burns made a superb save to deny Matthew Crossan. This result keeps Harps in eighth spot in the First Division.
Finn Harps: Gallagher; Doherty, Mailey, Crossan, Minnock; Forker, Funston, Bonner, Brolly; McHugh, Walsh. McLaughlin for Forker (74 mins), McMenamin for Walsh (83 mins).
Waterford United:Burns; Carey, Long, Murray, Coady; Keane, J. Kearney, O’Sullivan, L. Kearney; Sullivan, Murphy. Subs: Kiely for Keane (62 mins), Barrett for O’Sullivan (69 mins), Waters for Sullivan (79 mins).
Referee: Mr. J. Grimes (Dublin).
