Richard Brush makes a save during Finn Harps clash with Shamrock Rovers at Finn Park tonight. Pic by North-West Newspix.
LEAGUE OF IRELAND: A penalty in the 70th minute from Gary McCabe ensured Shamrock Rovers earned all three points in a hard fought contest at Finn Park this evening.
Richard Brush was adjudged by referee Neil Doyle to have fouled Danny North and awarded Rovers the penalty.
Gary McCabe made no mistake from the spot and emphatically blasted into the top corner of the net.
In truth, it was hard on Harps who battled hard throughout and probably deserved a share of the spoils.
With Ciaran Coll out injured, Ethan Boyle went to left back and Tony McNamee replaced Michael Funston.
The playing surface was in much better condition than it was when Harps hosted Derry City at Finn Park ten days ago.
However, both teams cancelled each other and chances were really at a premium.
Both defences were on top, and the creative players on both sides were unable to find that killer pass or spark of creativity.
The turning point came when Danny North was taken down inside the box by Richard Brush.
Brush was furious with referee Neil Doyle and was adamant there was no contact at all.
Doyle waved away the protests, and McCabe smashed his effort home to send the Shamrock Rovers fans into delirium.
Harps pressed hard, but couldn’t find a breakthrough – although they had late claims for a penalty of their own.
Michael Funston was body checked in the box and Harps fans and players were furious when referee Neil Doyle waved away their appeals.
Back-to-back defeat for Harps, and Saturday’s clash with Sligo is now a massive match even this early on in the season.
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