Soccer

Derry break Harps to go third in Premier Division

Two late goals give City bragging rights in front of almost 3,000 fans in Finn Park

Aaron McEneff sealed victory with Derry’s second goal in added time. Photograph: Ryan Byrne/Inpho

Mon Jul 24 2017 - 23:20

Finn Harps 0 Derry City 2 Derry City moved into third spot in the Premier Division table as Darren Cole and Aaron McEneff grabbed late goals to sink battling Finn Harps in an absorbing north-west derby at Finn Park in front of almost 3,000 fans on Monday night.

Harps appeared to be holding on for a point when Darren Cole fired home following a corner on 87 minutes and the issue was sealed with the last attack as Aaron McEneff rounded goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher.

The early exchanges were tight with no shortage of endeavour but few openings at either end.

Harps had the first real opening of note on 22 minutes when new arrival Ibrahim Keita headed just wide as he met a Caolan McAleer corner.

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Two minutes later City almost scored when Eoin Toal’s header from the edge of the box clipped the crossbar.

Potency

City then enjoyed a spell of decent pressure as McEneff had a fine shot deflected out for a corner while Rory Patterson then had a close-range shot well stopped by Gallagher.

In between, Harps reminded Derry of their new potency up front when the in-form Eddie Dsane carved out a space before unleashing a blistering shot just over on 34 minutes.

Harps almost grabbed the lead on 43 minutes when Sean Houston met a McAleer free with a powerful headed that whizzed just outside the post.

The second half began as the first had finished with action at both ends as firstly McEneff had a shot saved at the second attempt by Gallagher while Kilian Cantwell turned well inside the Derry box before shooting narrowly over.

Patterson and Lucas Schubert also had chances before the two late goals left Derry with the bragging rights again.

Harps have never beaten City twice in the one season. They remain eighth.

Finn Harps: Gallagher; McNulty, Mailey, Cantwell, Coll; Harkin; McAleer, Boyle, Houston; Keita (Banda, 70 mins), Dsane (Bonner, 80 mins).

Subs not used: Molloy, McGlynn, Millien, McBride, Doherty.

Derry City: G Doherty; McDermott, Toal, Cole, Jarvis; Schubert (Boyle, 76 mins), McEneff, Low, Daniels (B Doherty, 80 mins); McNamee; Patterson.

Subs not used: Holden,Timlin, McIntyre, Todd, Grimes.

Referee: R Matthews (Dublin).

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