Finn Harps 2 Cobh Ramblers 1:COBH RAMBLERS' return to the Premier Division ended in disappointment as they lost to Finn Harps in an absorbing battle at a wet Finn Park last night.

In their three meetings last season in the First Division, Harps lost twice and drew once against the Munster outfit. But the home fans in a crowd of over 2,000 were in full voice when the stalemate was broken on the half-hour after a tight opening period.

Chris Breen played the ball in from the right for Stephen Parkhouse to lay it on to Conor Gethins who drilled in home.

On 40 minutes the visitors thought that they had equalised when Graham Cummins beat James Gallagher but a flag had been raised for offside.

Harps doubled their advantage on 47 minutes. Gethins found Parkhouse inside the box and though his shot was blocked by James McCarthy, Shaun Williams forced the ball in from close range.

Briefly, it looked as if Harps might put the game completely out of Cobh's reach. But Stephen Henderson's spirited youngsters refused to buckle again and gave themselves a real lifeline on 64 minutes. Harps failed to clear a free and in nipped Kevin Murray to guide the ball into the net with a low strike.

Harps had a real scare in the 86th minute when Alan Kearney just failed to turn home a Kieran O'Reilly cross.

FINN HARPS: Gallagher, Roddy (Boyle, 78), Holmes, Labonte, Malcolm, Shields, Breen (Funston, 70), McGowan, Parkhouse, Gethins (Brolly, 86), Williams.

COBH RAMBLERS: McCarthy, Carey, J Meade, Murray, Guthrie, J Kearney, O'Reilly, Cummins, Mulconry (Lally, 65), Barrett (Coleman, 74), Cambridge.

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).