Speak softly for Harps

Jonathan Speak's softly taken header just after the half hour was all that Finn Harps needed to overcome Bohemians at Dalymount Park last night. It was the single highlight in an otherwise dull affair; but more importantly it moved them up to third on the league table after the result over at Tolka Park.

Bohemians were coming in with the better league form; although on this occasion they found the Harps defence too tight to break, even with some tireless efforts in the second half.

It was in the middle period of the first half, while Bohemians seemed to have gained the momentum, that Harps took brief control and broke the deadlock. Tom Mohan sent across a long ball from his right outside of the box which met the head of Speak. His slight touch sent the ball low into the corner well outside the reach of Michael Dempsey.

The best Bohemians chances for the remainder of the half were sent for the most part well off target, the most dangerous of which came from Paul Byrne and Robbie Brunton.

The second half started off equally leisurely and it wasn't until 15 minutes into the half that the home side put up some real effort for a response; creating chances from every angle. Brian Mooney, Kelly and Swan were all within range; but unfortunately for them, the Harps defence remained firm.

The best of the chances may well have been Kevin Hunt's shot five minutes from time, which forced an important save from Brian McKenna; but at that stage the Harps victory looked fairly secure.

Three Harps substitutes helped strengthen their defence, while Speak and James Mulligan almost extended the lead in the dying moments.

Bohemians: Dempsey, O'Connor, Brunton, Mooney, O'Driscoll, Hunt, O'Hanlon, P Byrne, Swan, Kelly, Mullen. Subs: Lawlor for Kelly (56 mins); T Byrne for O'Connor (81mins).

Finn Harps: McKenna, R Boyle, Minnock, D Boyle, Dykes, O'Brien, Mohan, McGrenaghan, Speak, Mulligan, Harkin. Subs: Bradley for D Boyle (45 mins); Kavanagh for McGrenaghan (74 mins); McGettigan for Speak (86 mins).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin)