FIRST Division Finn Harps, fancied by many to get promoted to the top flight after languishing for 11 years in the First Division, showed their premier credentials as they held Bohemians to a scoreless draw at Finn Park in Ballybofey on Saturday night.
Harps' first FAI Cup quarter final appearance for 12 years drew a crowd of over 5,000 to the venue, yielding record gate receipts of more than £13,000. And while Bohemians will be hot favourites to win tomorrow night's replay at Dalymount Park, the Donegal side will feel that they are still very much in with a shout.
They gave Bohemians a number of scares, particularly in the first half, and when reduced to 10 men after defender Ray McGuinness was sent off 12 minutes from time, battled resolutely to contain the visiting strike force.
"I thought we were the better side before the break," Harps manager Dermot Keely said afterwards. "In the second half we tired or got nervous and did not play as well but I do not think anyone would begrudge us a draw."
His counterpart, Turlough O'Connor, who has guided Bohemians to three wins this season already over a Keely managed Dundalk, was also content with the outcome.
"They pushed us a bit in the first half," he acknowledged, but added: "I thought we were comfortable enough in the second. Considering the conditions we are very happy."
The bumpy Finn Park surface certainly is a leveller and with drizzle falling for much of the game, it was never going to be anything but a tight affair.
Keely, picking a Harps team for the first time, made a number of positional and tactical changes opting for a 5-4-1 formation with Jonathan Speak operating as the lone striker. His ploy appeared to work as Harps, with Noel Melvin to the fore, largely counteracted the threat posed by the visiting midfield.
Bohemians goalkeeper Dave Henderson had to be alert early on as he tipped a John Quigg 25 yard free onto the bar as the home side started with a flurry.
But with Brian Mooney looking menacing - twice he had efforts saved by John Walsh - and Derek Swan firing a free narrowly wide, the Phibsboro side finished the half strongly.
Harps forced a series of corners just after the interval, but the nearest they came to a goal was a powerful Speak shot that was blocked down by Henderson on the hour.
Bohemians, however, missed a couple of good chances to seal the issue. Tommy Byrne steered the ball wide from close range as he met a cross from the right, Swan hit the woodwork and also had a strong penalty claim turned down.
McGuinness's dismissal, for a second bookable offence on Tony Cousins, suddenly swung the pendulum in Bohemians' favour. Mooney, Swan and Tony O'Connor, with a cracking 25 yard drive, all went close but Harps, with veteran Ronnie Murphy outstanding, survived.
