Dave Rogers: 'A point in the right direction' for Finn Harps

Dave Rogers feels that the graph is on the up at Finn Harps.

On Friday night, Harps secured their first point of 2023 when drawing 1-1 with Bray Wanderers at Finn Park.

Rogers' new-look side, moulded almost entirely from scratch following his appointment in December, led through Ryan Flood's free-kick in the 17th minute, but Harry Groome's leveller 13 minutes later earned Bray a point.

“People sometimes don't see the bigger picture, but I do and my staff do,” Rogers said.

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“We know where we are going and we won't relent from that. It is one day at a time and it's about perseverance, patience and progress working together.

“This is a point in the right direction. The fans can see a completely different style and they appreciate that.”

Despite defeats to Galway United and Athlone Town in the opening two games of the season, a crowd of over 1,500 turned out on Friday night.

Rogers has urged the Harps fans to back is fledgling side.

He said: “When we went 1-0 up, we became very nervous for the next 10-15 minutes. We sort of sat back and we were trying to tell them to stay on the front foot.

“They are a little bit naive because it's new to them. We will keep encouraging them. keep giving them the opportunity and freedom. They will make mistakes, but they will learn from the mistakes.

“We are delighted to get the first point on the board. It's onwards and upwards. A point was a fair result overall, but in the last 20 minutes we created a couple of chances that we might have scored.

“Against Athlone, we had 66 per cent of possession. Keeping possession doesn't win football matches.

“It's about being lethal in the final third and being diligent and brave in defence. I have no interest in possession. What I am interested in are principles and ours are getting better week by week.”

Rogers hailed the impact of debutant Noe Baba whose 'real experience and presence shone', said the Harps boss.

Baba was a prized asset as a teenager with several top clubs in England vying for his signature at a stage.

The midfielder signed for Harps following a spell in Germany.

Rogers said: “That is what we have been missing. It was about being patient and waiting for someone like Noe.”

Rogers also pointed out 17-year-old defender Daithi McCallion after a superb night for the on-loan Derry City player. McCallion's was a performance that belied his young years and inexperience.

Rogers said: “Daithi was outstanding. The maturity and the energy and the desire to win the game of football, it was outstanding. We want to bring young talent on and encourage them to play.”