A Ryan Finn goal in the second minute of injury time secured the Finn Harps U17s a 3-3 draw against league leaders St. Patrick’s Athletic in Killygordon today.
The point will be a big boost as Harps bid to stay in contention to qualify from the Northern Section for the knockout stages of the national competition.
Ryan Cunningham gave the hosts the lead in the 11th minute with a fine left-foot strike after being setup by Corey-Lee Brogan. The visitors dominated the possession stakes for much of the first half and equalized seven minutes before the break when Ricky Farrell turned the ball past Jamie Bell after a clever interchange of passes.
The league leaders went 2-1 up on 50 minutes when John Martin capitalized on a defensive error to hook the ball over Bell. The hosts got back on level terms in the 72nd minute when Shane Blaney’s spectacular angled free-kick from the edge of the penalty flew into the top corner.
Pat’s pushed forward again in search of a lead goal and it came with seven minutes of normal time remaining when Martin got his second by converting a penalty.
It looked like another equalizer wouldn’t materialize against a side that has only lost once this season. But, in the second minute of injury time Finn reacted quickly to intercept a sloppy pass midway inside the Pat’s half and the midfielder carried the ball forward before coolly placing the ball in the corner of the net with the outside of his right boot.
Declan Boyle’s side will now aim to kick-on from here by winning in Longford next weekend.
Finn Harps – Jamie Bell, Michael Gallagher, Darragh Ellison, Conor Gavigan, Shane Blaney; Corey-Lee Brogan, Ryan Finn, Zac Brolly, Ryan Cunningham; Liam Walsh, James Carolan.
Subs: Mark McAteer for Walsh 55 mins, Odragh McGuinness for Brolly 87 mins. Not used: Declan Ward, Aaron Doherty, Niall McGinley.
Ref: Marty Quinn. Assistants: Con McLaughlin, Liam McLaughlin
Pictures attached are of the U17 squad today, refuelling and match action.
