'Naive' still, but young Finn Harps 'growing in confidence' – Dave Rogers

Although he admitted that some 'naivety' contributed to Finn Harps blowing a two-goal lead on Friday night, Dave Rogers believes his side is 'growing in confidence'.

Harps were rampant from the outset against Cobh Ramblers, Séamas Keogh and Filip Da Silva netting as they led 2-0 by the 13th minute.

However, Jack Doherty scored twice after missing a penalty in the second half to earn Cobh a point.

“The game is never over and 2-0 is a very precarious lead,” Rogers said.

Finn Harps lose two-goal lead as Cobh fightback earns a draw

Cobh missed a penalty, but came from two-nil down to draw with Finn Harps, who finished with ten men

“We did say to the boys: 'They'll come at you and they'll throw everything at you'. They are sitting second for a reason.

“I'm disappointed for the lads because that's four unbeaten now and they could have had their second win.

“The first-half performance and the way we set up – we worked with the boys to go and get at Cobh Ramblers – worked really well. We knew in the conditions that we couldn't get it down and play how we normally play.”

Keogh clipped in the opening goal after only 42 seconds and Da Silva was also on the mark with his first Harps goal soon after. They were Harps' first goals from open play this season.

Rogers said: “Filip was excellent and he's starting to find his feet now. We're here to help these players grow and take this club going forward positively.

“This is a brand new era so it's a real credit to the boys to be unbeaten in four games now.

“We got at them on the front foot, we pressed them well and we chased the ball in numbers. The first-half performance was outstanding.

“Goals from open play has been an area we have been challenging the boys to get better at. We really stood to the test well and we defended set plays well.

“The lads are growing in confidence and the two goals from open play will give them even more confidence for next week.”

Harps were spared somewhat when Doherty blasted a 50th minute penalty over the crossbar, but the exciting forward was on the double to peg Harps back.

Rogers said: “We have to be more cautious with the decision making in certain areas of the field. That's a bit of naivety. The lads will get there with more experience and more game time.”