Dave Rogers content with young Finn Harps’ baptism in ’big, bad world’

A soaked-to-the-skin Dave Rogers didn’t have his spirits dampened by defeat in his first competitive outing as the Finn Harps manager.

Rogers’ largely youthful Harps went down 2-1 at the hands of Galway United on Friday night.

Vincent Borden struck either side of a Ryan Rainey penalty to give Galway a deserved win in Ballybofey.

Rogers, who was given a four-year contract in November, has vowed to stick by his principles as he tries to shape a new era at Finn Park.

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

Galway United, with Ollie Horgan in a familiar perch at Finn Park, defeated new-look Finn Harps, now under Dave Rogers' management, in the First Division opener, played in front of a crowd of over 2,500

“We are going to be positive,” he told Donegal Live.

“There is no negativity around here. We want to win games of football and that’s what we’re here for. We want to do it the right way. 

“Even in those conditions, we’re not going to deviate. We will try to rectify the decision making, but I think everyone can see what we’re trying to do.

“You have got to earn success. It’s a whole new era and a whole new vision and ambition. The Board will back me on that. We’re not just going to be here to make up the numbers. We want to win games of football the right way, with young, hungry players mixed with a bit of experience.”

Friday marked the third coming of Keith Cowan, installed as the captain for 2023, while Ryan Rainey was the only other in the starting XI to have worn Harps’ colours before.

Of the nine debutants, six were appearing for first tastes of League football: Daniel Okwute and Ellis Farrar, who have joined on loan from Stockport County; Derry City loanees Daithi McCallion Caoimhin and Porter; and Convoy teenager Michael Harris, back following a spell in the United States.

“That’s phenomenal,” Rogers remarked.

“I’m proud of the boys. They’ve only been together for six weeks.

“We had 15-20 minute spells in both halves where we were the better team and we created chances. It’s not nice to lose and they’re a bit down, but we’ll pick them up again.

“It’s ok playing academy football, but when you come into the big, bad world, the young lads were outstanding. They played with such maturity. Mistakes will happen, but we can cope with that.”

Galway, with Rogers’ predecessor Ollie Horgan cutting his usual animated self in the dugout, could’ve had the game wrapped up in the opening half, when Harps’ penalty area lived a charmed life at times.

Borden’s fifth-minute opener, however, was cancelled out when Ryan Ryan fired home a 42nd minute penalty after Harris was pulled down by Rob Slevin.

Rogers said: “Ryan came to me a couple of weeks ago and kept asking: ‘Gaffer, can I take penalties?’ I kept walking away from him and ignoring him. He stepped up and he has that experience.

“When I first spoke to him, we didn’t even mention contracts. He just told me: ‘This is my club and I want to stay to help it get back to where it belongs’.”

A crowd of 2,552 was described as ’phenomenal’ by the new manager. The Scouser clearly believes in what he has begun piecing together.

He said: “We have 20 players now based in Donegal. When was the last time that happened? The commitment is there and the enthusiasm is there."