Finn Harps have all but blown their chance of a promotion play-off place after suffering a 2-0 defeat to Waterford Utd at Finn Park tonight.
The Ballybofey side were hoping to follow on from their solid showing against Salthill Devin last week in which they collected all three points.
But they now face a huge uphill battle if they are to realistically compete for a promotion place as the league ticks down to its finish.
A crowd of a little more than 530, up from last week, answered manager Peter Hutton’s call for a stronger support.
But the reality is that 300 supporters on a bright summer’s evening to watch senior football is a poor return.
This young Harps outfit, led by a decent manager in Hutton, deserve a much greater support from the Donegal public.
Whatever marketing and promotion campaign Harps have undertaken would appear not to be working.
Tonight’s defeat could well call time on this season’s hopes.
A stunning header from Ben Ryan in the 25th minutes from a Vinny Sullivan cross left Harps chasing the game.
Conor Meade made it 2-0 in the 51st minute when he slotted home from the penalty spot after he was taken down by Thomas McMonagle.
Harps battled to get back into the game and American Pat McCann, making his full debut for Harps, looked like he had place a fine shot into the top corner only for Craig Hyland to pull off a stunning save.
But just like Salthill last week against Harps, the home side found the two goal gap too much to breach.
Peter Hutton will be bitterly disappointed by tonight’s result.
He must now pick his team up and get them ready for next week’s cup game which realistically is all Harps may now have to play for this season.
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