Finn Harps' new era begins with narrow defeat to Galway United

American Vincent Borden scored twice as Galway United edged out Finn Harps at a soaking Finn Park on Friday night.

Finn Harps 1-2 Galway United

New-look Harps, now under the direction of Dave Rogers, were undone by Borden’s double, which sandwiched a Ryan Rainey penalty.

It has been a winter of change by the Finn, Rogers taking over from Ollie Horgan after his nine years at the helm.

Horgan - now the assistant manager at Galway United - was back in familiar surroundings for the season opener. So familiar that Horgan was actually in the very dugout he vacated in November, Rogers taking his place in what had previously been the ‘away’ bench.

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Trailing to an early Borden opener, Harps - in front of an encouraging crowd of 2,552 - found energy in the closing stages of the first half.

Three minutes before the break, they drew level. Rob Slevin, a Harps player last season, pulled down Michael Harris and Rainey thumped home from the penalty spot.

Galway restored the lead just after the hour, Borden’s heavily-deflected shot beat Harps ‘keeper Tim Hiemer.

Harps sub Cian Lynch was denied by Brendan Clarke after scampering clear on the right flank 17 minutes from the end.

Almost immediately at the other end, Hiemer saved well in a one-on-one with Edward McCarthy, who had the chance to put the game beyond the hosts' reach.

The night began on an emotional note. A handful of blue and white balloons were poignantly sent up into the teeming Ballybofey sky in honour of the late Ronan Roddy, the popular Finn Park steward who died last month.

The game was just inside its fifth minute when Galway grabbed the lead.

Ronan Manning clipped in a dangerous free from wide on the right. The ball was turned back across goal and Borden was on hand to steer in from close range.

It took the intervention of Ryan Flood, hooking from beneath his own crossbar, to prevent the lead being doubled in the 14th minute after Manning slalomed his way across the bye-line.

Hiemer saved his own blushes saving from Stephen Walsh, who dispossessed the German goalkeeper in the 26th minute. Thirty seconds later, Hiemer saved well from Rob Manley, who powered in from the right.

Horgan, who took a customary yellow card from referee David Dunne in the moments after Rainey’s penalty, manned the technical area for the second half with manager John Caulfield sent off.

Manning riffled into the side-netting early in the second half with many of the drenched Galway contingent on the gantry terrace in celebration.

It wasn’t long, though, before Borden found a way for what proved to be the winner. 

Finn Harps: Tim Hiemer; Daithi McCallion, Keith Cowan, Ellis Farrar, Ryan Flood; Caoimhin Porter, Katlego Mashingo, Ryan Rainey; Séamas Keogh (Filip Da Silva 70), Michael Harris (Sean O’Donnell 88), Daniel Okutwe (Cian Lynch 51).

Galway United: Brendan Clarke; Colm Horgan, Rob Slevin, Killian Brouder, Regan Donelon, Stephen Walsh (Francely Lomboto 89); Conor McCormack, Edward McCarthy (Maurice Nugent 82), Ronan Manning (Mikie Rowe 89), Vincent Borden; Rob Manley (David Hurley 59).

Referee: David Dunne.