Sport

Surprise for Bohemians

Finn Harps upset pre-match predictions to throw up an early surprise of the opening weekend of the National League Premier Division…

Sat Aug 29 1998 - 01:00

Finn Harps upset pre-match predictions to throw up an early surprise of the opening weekend of the National League Premier Division season. Few could have forecast this result but the visitors were emphatic winners in the end. It was an unhappy venue for Bohemians' keeper, Jason Batty.

Brought over from New Zealand, the international was already kicking the ball out of the net with just three minutes gone.

The opening score came by virtue of an unfortunate error by Robbie Best who headed into his own net after an early break by Finn Harps.

But Derek Swan making his 200th appearance for Bohemians redressed the balance two minutes later with a spectacular 25-yard free kick.

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But Harps regrouped and just on the quarter hour went ahead once more when Brian Flood sent a long ball over the top into James Mulligan.

Batty, perhaps prematurely ventured out of his area but Mulligan cleverly side stepped his man to shoot into an empty net.

And it was Mulligan once more who had the homeside blushing when availing of a ball from Tom Mohan to increase Finn Harps lead on 17 minutes.

Bohemians struggled to break down a resolute Finn Harps defence with Gavin Dykes particularly impressive in the centre but Swan converted from the penalty spot with just a minute of normal time remaining.

Bohemians: Batty, Broughan, Bruncon, Best (O'Hanolon half-time), Byrd, Harkin, Mooney (Ngata 44), O'Connor, Swan, Dodds, De Gregorio.

Finn Harps: Henderson, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Dykes, Flood, Mohan, McGettigan (Kelly 15 mins), Kavanagh, Mulligan, Dowling (Speak 85).

Referee: D O'Hanlon (Waterford).

Supporters from the 20 Premiership clubs yesterday issued a joint attack on the planned European super league. Editors of the 20 fanzines published a statement attacking the scheme and questioning its financial viability.Joint campaign organiser Luke Mason said: "Football supporters are speaking with one voice on this issue."It's been incredible - not a single person or group we have talked to has backed the super league. It's completely unanimous opposition."