Cork City outclassed Finn Harps in Ballybofey as the Rebel Army fans travelled by cars, busses and planes (literally!) The final score was 3-0 in Finn Park and City booked their spot in the semi finals which they haven’t done since 2023.
Review:
1,675 supporters packed Finn Park tonight.Coming into this game, it was expected City wouldn’t have it easy travelling a long distance to a side in decent form of recent but City boss Ger Nash will be happy with how his City side managed the game as they scored 3 past Finn Harps. The gap between First Division and the Premier Division comes into light as City face relegation but easily put aside a decent performance against the First Division outfit who are fighting to gain an important play-off spot. Despite the score, Gavin McAteer played very well for Finn Harps despite their terrible start, the young Ireland u17 international worked hard and created several chances for the home side. The LOI TV commentators for Harps were impressed who rightly so,gave him the deserved Harps “Man of the Match”.
Evan Mclaughlin scored a nice finish into the right hand corner of Harps keeper Lorenzo’s post in the 2nd minute. He is my Man of the Match tonight. He is a very consistent player that put pressure on Harps tonight throughout. Week in,Week out his work rate is unbelievable for City. Seanie was certainly on fire tonight as he scored a vintage finish also into the right hand corner of the net. He created an impressive patnership with Mclaughlin tonight from early on in the game. On the 7th minute, Mclaughlin and Maguire created a lovely attacking chance. In the 38th minute of the match, Maguire flicked to the ball to Nelson in a lovely set of play. Benny couto would replace Nelson in the second half as he comes back into form from an injury earlier in the season. City’s choice of a regular line up suited them for sure. Young Charlie Hannover also got game time in the later end of the game. Brann was once again in form for City as he made a notable dive in the 25th minute against In form Hans Mpongo for Harps who had several chances in the match despite his sides poor performance overall. Freddie Anderson, the USA underage international was also reliable in defence for the Leesiders.
The rain came down in the second half as LOI veteran Greg Bolger came on and played well to be fair. His experience is an assist to any situation.Harps created more chances in the 2nd half than they did in the first 45′ but City would prove to become the more consistent side amid the poor and very wet conditions that arose on the pitch.Mclaughlin finished again in the 73rd minute on his left foot after a save from Harps keeper Lorenzo which saw Mclaughlin take his chance to make it 3-0. Kaedyn Kamara is also a noticeable mention tonight as he played well in midfield consistently but was replaced by Charlie lyons. The commentator even pointed out, Kamara, who is on loan from Preston North End is in fact the Grandson of Sky Sports, Chris Kamara!
While it wasn’t to be for Finn Harps tonight, they turn to the target of achieving a play off spot after their first loss tonight in Finn Park since May. It was a difficult night for Harps tonight and Cork City were the better side. As for Cork City, they face Shamrock Rovers in the league next week at Turners Cross in what will be a tough encounter for the bottom side without a shadow of doubt. Ideally, a home draw for City would be ideal in the Sports Direct FAI Cup Semi finals given their home form record. The cup run gives City fans, players and staff alike a distraction from the relegation battle. Overall this is a positive result for the away team who deserved the win. A Renaissance of form appears to emerge as City now hope to do the impossible and try avoid the automatic drop. Finn Harps face Bray Wanderers in the next round of first division fixtures.