Finn Harps make much-needed return to winning ways

Patrick Ferry and Jamie Watson scored to reignite Finn Harps hopes of making the First Division play-offs.

The Gweedore man's fourth goal of the season sent Harps on their way to their first win in seven as Darren Murphy's side climbed above Cobh Ramblers with Watson copper-fastening the victory late in the night.

Ferry struck the opening goal of the game in the 62^nd minute as Harps returned to winning ways in the nick of time.

Having been on a wretched run of late, losing their last six and with just one win in 11, they were in must win territory at Finn Park on Friday night.

It was shaping into another frustrating outing for Harps when Ferry pounced. Given a pass by Success Edogon, Ferry's first touch took him past a pair of Cobh defenders.

Bearing in on replacement goalkeeper Arthur Nganou, Ferry kept his cool at the Town End to slot home.

Seven minutes from the end, Watson lashed home to seal the deal. The Scottish defender made no mistake with his finish to confirm a badly needed victory for Harps, who leapfrogged their opponents.

Although the gap to Wexford – who overcame Athlone Town 2-1 – in the final play-off spot is still six points, Harps are at least back in the mix again.

Harps had a bright start and, with a little more composure, Max Johnston might've opened the scoring with less than two minutes played. A delightful pass from David Cawley created an opening, but Johnston fired off target.

The inclusion of Johnston and Cawley from the start were two of the changes made by Murphy with Matthew Makinson also coming in as Sean Patton, Luke O'Brien and Ryan Rainey made way.

In the 20^th minute, Harps were in again when Tony McNamee's vision and precision fed Edogun, but his shot was smothered routinely by Darragh Burke.

Moments later, Brendan Frahill managed to block from a McNamee shot inside the box after Edogun turned provider.

Burke's night looked to have ended prematurely with the game stopped for over five minutes following a clash with Johnston. Burke continued with his head bandaged before being replaced by Nganou at half-time.

Cobh arrived in the north west looking to get back to winning ways after a derby defeat to First Division pace-setters Cork City and boss Gary Hunt brought Tiernan O'Brien and Pierce Phillips into his XI.

Cobh began to probe with intent and Matthew McKevitt flicked one attempt wide while substitute Kevin Jordan – who replaced the injured Conor Tourish after 20 minutes – cleared another effort that seemed destined for the net.

Deep into added time at the end of the first half, the fingertips of Oisin Cooney – Harps' teenage 'keeper – ensured his sheet stayed clean. The visitors broke on a threatening counter attack and, after being released by Phillips, McKevitt's shot was turned out for a corner.

Eight minutes into the second half, Ferry's initial shot came off a Cobh defender and Johnston's rebound was wide of the mark.

Just after the hour, Ferry opened the scoring – and Harps were on their way to tasting a first win since early July.

Finn Harps: Oisin Cooney; Jamie Watson; Noe Baba, Matthew Makinson, Conor Tourish (Kevin Jordan 20); David Cawley (Aaron McLaughlin 90), Max Hutchison; Success Edogun (Gavin McAteer 90), Tony McNamee, Max Johnston; Patrick Ferry (Sean Patton 76).

Cobh Ramblers: Darragh Burke (Arthur Nganou h-t); Tiernan O'Brien (Beineon O'Brien-Whitmarsh 87), Nolan Evers (Charlie O'Brien 81), Brendan Frahill, Cian Browne; Pierce Phillips (David Bosnjak 81), Jack Larkin, Dale Holland, Luka Le Bervet (Dean Larkin 72); Matthew McKevitt, Regix Madika.

Referee: Daryl Carolan.