Soccer

Bohemians boost European hopes as they end Finn Harps’ strong home run

First-half sub Promise Omochere and Georgie Kelly on target in Ballybofey

Bohemians’ Georgie Kelly celebrates his goal with team-mates during the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division game against Finn Harps at Finn Park in Ballybofey. Photograph: Evan Logan/Inpho

Mon Sep 13 2021 - 22:12

Finn Harps 1 Bohemians 2

Bohemians got their European aspirations back on track with a hard-fought win over in-form Finn Harps in Ballybofey on Monday night.

The Donegal side, unbeaten in seven games, had defeated St Patrick’s Athletic and Shamrock Rovers in their last two home league games.

But they found Bohs a different proposition as Keith Long’s side bounced back from their weekend defeat at Drogheda United.

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Bohs had lost the opening game of the season at Finn Park, but they were quickest out of the traps in this latest encounter with Liam Burt striking a post and first-half substitute Promise Omochere also going close.

They eventually made the breakthrough on 32 minutes when Omochere – looking suspiciously offside – turned the ball home from close range after Ali Coote's effort had been cleared off the line. The goal was shrouded in controversy with Harps claiming midfielder Will Seymore had been fouled in the lead-up to the goal. Seymore was unable to continue and was replaced by Mark Coyle.

Bohs doubled their lead four minutes before the break when Ross Tierney was brought down in the box by Kosovar Sadiki and Donegal man Georgie Kelly converted from the spot.

Harps had their chances in a lively first half. Bohs goalkeeper James Talbot twice came to his team's rescue saving from Karl O'Sullivan, and then just before half-time producing a brilliant reaction stop from Barry McNamee after an attempted clearance came back off the Harps midfielder.

Even after the break, the home side had chances with Ryan Rainey heading inches wide just before the hour.

Rainey, however, made no mistake 11 minutes from the end when he bravely headed home at the back post to ensure it would be a nervy finish for Bohs.

Sadiki almost headed an injury-time equaliser but the Harps defender’s close-range header was cleared off the line.

FINN HARPS: Doherty, Webster, Boyle, Sadiki, McEleney, Dunleavy (Owolabi 46), O'Sullivan, Seymour (Coyle, 34), McNamee, Boyd (Foley, 67), Rainey.

BOHEMIANS: Talbot, Lyons, Breslin, Finnerty, Buckley, Cornwall, Coote (Omochere, 20), Devoy, Tierney (Feely, 85), Kelly, Burt.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin.

Ali CooteGeorgie KellyJames TalbotKarl O SullivanKeith LongLiam BurtMark CoylePaul MclaughlinRoss TierneyRyan Rainey