Finn Harps have slipped to their seventh defeat in-a-row, after basement boys Longford Town secured a 1-0 win at Finn Park this evening.
This clash was dubbed a ‘must win’ for Harps in the pre-match build-up, but Alan Matthews Longford side incredibly secured their first win in the league since March.
Ollie Horgan’s side have now lost seven successive games on the spin, and haven’t scored a goal since July.
These are worrying times at Finn Park – and with Wexford Youths securing a 0-0 draw against Derry City, they have now cut the gap at the bottom to just four points.
A stunning strike from Kevin O’Connor proved to be the difference between the sides, on a night when substitute Ruairi Keating missed a late penalty for the hosts.
Harps fans were left scratching their heads at the omission of playmaker Tony McNamee, on a night when Harps needed their most creative attacking player on the pitch he was left on the bench.
It was a baffling decision and a negative one a night when Harps desperately needed to win.
The inclusion of Ethan Boyle also raised a few eyebrows, with the industrious, experienced and energetic Michael Funston also dropping to the bench.
Harps started brightly and had chances early on from Tommy McMonagle and Packie Mailey, but both failed to take advantage of the opportunities that fell to them.
Then Kevin O’Connor stunned Harps with an expertly taken goal from outside the box, Longford squandered several chances to go further ahead as a shell shocked Harps attempted to re-group.
Harps huffed and puffed but had no pattern to their play, with their direct style of play easily playing into the hands of a Longford side that hadn’t won a game since March.
Too many times Harps lumped the ball from back to front hoping something would come off it, but time and time again Longford dealt with it comfortably.
Horgan sent on McHugh, Keating and Scully, and it was the latter who earned a penalty and a lifeline for Harps.
However, former Athlone Town stopper Ryan Coulter saved Keating’s penalty and Finn Park couldn’t believe it.
Harps pressed but created no chances of any note near the end, and Longford comfortably held on to secure all three points for the first time in the league since March.
These are desperately worrying times for Harps, but it’s hard to take any optimism and positives from another dreadful night at Finn Park.
Next up for Harps is the unenviable prospect of Cork City on Monday night at Finn Park.
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