Finn Harps Narrowly Defeated by Ten-Man UCD in Season Finale Seven-Goal Thriller
In a dramatic encounter on Friday night, Finn Harps faced UCD in their season finale at Finn Park. The match ended in a narrow defeat for the Harps in a thrilling seven-goal contest.
Early Dominance and UCD’s Comeback
The Harps started strong, with Gradi Lomboto scoring the first goal just 12 minutes into the game. A well-executed move allowed Lomboto to find the net, putting the home team ahead. However, UCD quickly turned the tide, scoring two goals from set pieces within 30 minutes.
Key Moments and Controversies
- With the score at 1-2, Conor Tourish nearly equalized but his header went wide from Tony McNamee’s free kick.
- A pivotal moment occurred when UCD’s Dara Kavanagh scored a third goal just before halftime, leaving the Harps trailing 3-1.
Finn Harps faced further frustration as complaints arose about a potential second yellow card not issued to UCD’s Hugh Smith for a foul on Tourish.
Second Half Resurgence for Harps
Following the interval, UCD’s goalkeeper Kavanagh received a red card, providing the Harps with a crucial opportunity. Jake Doyle’s early second-half goal initially extended UCD’s lead to 4-1. Nonetheless, Finn Harps seized the moment and fought back.
- Conor Tourish managed to head in a goal with 15 minutes remaining, reducing the deficit to 4-2.
- Tourish then earned a penalty late in the match, which Joel Bradley Walsh successfully converted to make it 4-3.
Final Stages and Season Conclusion
Despite a fierce attempt to equalize, UCD’s ten-man defense held firm. The match concluded with a score of 4-3 in favor of UCD.
With this defeat, Finn Harps finished their season in eighth place, whereas UCD moved forward into the playoff positions. This match encapsulated the season’s ups and downs for the Harps and provided an entertaining end to the campaign.
Match Statistics
| Team | Goals | Final Position |
|---|---|---|
| Finn Harps | 3 | 8th |
| UCD | 4 | Playoff Position |
The match was officiated by referee Oliver Moran and featured several yellow cards, notably to Tony McNamee and Hugh Smith, highlighting the intensity of the game.
