Good Luck, Edogun on Target as Finn Harps Recover from UCD Draw Finn Harps returned to winning ways in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday night, securing a 1-0 victory over UCD at the UCD Bowl. After a disappointing 1-1 draw at home to Athlone Town the previous week, Ollie Horgan’s men were determined to bounce back and claim all three points. The breakthrough came in the 23rd minute when David O’Connor played a teasing cross into the box, finding the head of Eric McWoods. His effort was brilliantly saved by UCD goalkeeper Conor Kearns, but the rebound fell kindly to Fortune Edogun, who made no mistake from close range. UCD pressed for an equalizer, but the Finn Harps defense held firm throughout. Mark Timlin and Sean Houston were particularly impressive at the back, while Gareth Doherty made a string of crucial saves in goal. Despite their dominance in possession, UCD failed to create any clear-cut chances, and Finn Harps held on for a hard-fought victory. The win moves Finn Harps up to seventh in the First Division table with 10 points from their opening six games. They will now face off against Wexford FC at home next Friday night in a bid to continue their climb up the standings. Speaking after the game, Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan praised his team’s performance. “We knew it would be a difficult game,” he said. “UCD are a good side and they made us work hard for it. But we showed great character and determination to get the win.” Horgan also singled out Edogun for his match-winning contribution. “Fortune has been brilliant all season,” he said. “He’s a real goal threat and he proved that again tonight.” With Edogun in fine form and the team showing signs of improvement, Finn Harps will be confident of continuing their upward trajectory in the weeks and months to come.Finn Harps earned a valuable point against UCD at Finn Park, despite playing with 10 men from the 25th minute.
Finn Harps earned a valuable point against UCD at Finn Park, despite playing with 10 men from the 25th minute. Success Edogun scored his seventh goal of the season to cancel out Jake Doyle’s opener for UCD. Sean O’Donnell’s dismissal gave Harps a boost, and they took advantage with Edogun’s equalizer in the 53rd minute. Harps had other chances, with Tony McNamee and Patrick Ferry both going close. UCD hit the front in the 42nd minute when Doyle fired past Tim Hiemer. Doyle almost doubled his tally moments later, but his effort from 20 yards out went wide. Harps suffered a major blow just after midway through the first half when O’Donnell was sent off for retaliation after a challenge from Adam Verdon. The match was preceded by a minute’s silence for Donegal football fanatic Dessie Kelly. Before his dismissal, O’Donnell was involved in a dangerous Harps move down the left, with his cross narrowly missing McNamee. UCD started well, with Noe Baba having to keep out a strike from Danu Kinsella-Bishop. Harps keeper Hiemer produced a big save to deny Kinsella-Bishop in the 63rd minute. With the clock ticking down, Harps coach Eamon Curry was sent off as the home bench expressed their displeasure with a penalty decision against Hiemer. UCD’s Eanna Clancy almost won the match for the visitors, but shot wide from a good position. Deep into the six minutes of added time, Hiemer saved from Doyle to preserve the draw. Finn Harps: Tim Hiemer; Jamie Watson, Noe Baba, Matthew Makinson, Luke O’Brien; Success Edogun (David Cawley 90+3), Stephen Doherty (Max Johnston 81), Ryan Rainey, Sean O’Donnell; Tony McNamee; Aaron McLaughlin (Patrick Ferry 61). UCD: Kian Moore; Alex Dunne, Eanna Clancy, Niall Holohan, Luke O’Regan; Adam Verdon; Michael McCullagh, Ronan Finn (Hugh Parker 14), Jake Doyle; Michael Raggett (Stephen Mohan 81), Danu Kinsella Bishop (Colin Bolton 81). Referee: Alan Patchel.
Good Luck Edogun’s goal helped Finn Harps secure a much-needed victory over UCD in the SSE Airtricity League First Division on Friday night. The game was a must-win for Harps, who had drawn their last two matches, and they started brightly. Edogun had the first chance of the game, but his shot was saved by UCD goalkeeper Conor Kearns. Harps continued to press, and they were rewarded in the 25th minute when Edogun scored from close range after a cross from Barry McNamee. UCD came close to equalizing in the second half, but Harps held on for a vital three points. The win moves Harps up to sixth place in the table, just two points behind fourth-placed Bray Wanderers. Harps will be hoping to continue their good form when they travel to face Galway United next week.
