Finn Harps reduced the gap to 1 point in the playoff race last night as Hans Mpongo’s strike was enough to give Harps a 1-0 win over struggling Treaty United.
Goal Scorers
Finn Harps: Hans Mpongo (26)
Treaty United:
Before kick off at Finn Park, captains Tony McNamee and Lee Devitt aswell as Tom Mohan on behalf of the FAI laid wreaths at the center circle as a mark of remembrance for the late Ollie Horgan who passed away at the age of 57 this week.
The opening exchanges offered half chances for both sides. Treaty’s Lee Devitt tried his luck early, but it was the home team who soon began to control possession and dictate the pace but the finishing touch was lacking early on.
Patrick Ferry almost punished Harps midway through the half bursting into space, he seemed ready to strike until Max Hutchison intervened with a crucial block. Moments later, Harps made that defensive stop count at the other end. Tony McNamee found Idir Zerrouk, whose clever pass released Hans Mpongo. The forward made no mistake sliding the ball beyond Matthew Boylan.
Harps continued to carve out opportunities before the break. McNamee went close with a hurried effort, and Hutchison nearly added to the lead when he stretched for Mpongo’s cross. However, the visitors nearly stunned the hosts right before the interval. Ferry battled through and managed to set up Devitt, who let fly with a powerful attempt that narrowly cleared the crossbar.
Treaty began the second half with a few chances Evan O’Connor had a great chance inside the area, only to be denied by the sharp reactions of Harps goalkeeper Lorenzo Barbosa. The Brazilian shot-stopper was called into action again later, producing an excellent save to tip Joseph Hanson’s strike onto the post ,a moment that underlined his importance to Harps’ clean sheet.
The biggest talking point of the night arrived just past the hour mark. As Harps prepared to take a throw-in, Treaty manager Tommy Barrett nudged the ball away from Tony McNamee, earning himself a straight red card from referee Ryan Maher.
Nine minutes of injury time ensured a nervous conclusion for the Harps supporters. Treaty threw everything forward, with Mark Byrne inches away from snatching an equaliser when his strike went just wide of the upright. That chance proved to be the final action of note, and when the whistle sounded, Harps secured a 1-0 victory that puts them right in contention for the playoffs.
What’s Next
Finn Harps make the trip to Bishopsgate next Friday night to take on Longford Town knowing a win accompanied with results going their way elsewhere could see them in the playoff places at the end of the night.
For Treaty United with 1 win in the last 12, will host UCD who are near certain to be in the playoffs.
Teams
Finn Harps: Lorenzo Barbosa; Michael Place, Conor Tourish, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Kieran Cooney; Oran Brogan, Max Hutchison, Tony McNamee, Idir Zerrouk(Josh Cullen 77), Gradi Lomboto(Gavin McAteer 70); Hans Mpongo(Aaron McLaughlin 85)
Treaty United: Matthew Boylan; Richkov Boevi, Benjamin Lynch, Evan O’Connor, Robbie Lynch; Lee Devitt(Darren Nwankwo 90), Colin Conroy, Fionn Doherty(Mark Byrne 58), Conor Wilson(Eoin Martin 73), Benjamin Lee(Joseph Hanson 73); Patrick Ferry