McNutt laments missed chances, but says Finn Harps can stay in play-off trail

Stephen McNutt says Finn Harps’ second-half display against Longford Town outlined that their plans are taking shape.

Although held to a 1-1 draw by Longford, McNutt, the first team coach, pointed to the chances created by Harps.

The stalemate means Harps have suffered just one defeat in their last nine.

“I thought we were excellent in the second half and we created loads of chances,” McNutt said.

“We have to hit the target, plain and simple, and the boys know that.

“Longford looked good in the first 20 minutes and we struggled a little with them on our own left-hand side, but we felt that we dominated the game after that. We won all the battles. We’re disappointed with the result, but not in the performance.

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“They scored a lovely goal, but we sorted things out at half-time, we changed the shape and we nullified them in the middle of the park and in the wide areas. We should have won the game.”

Seamas Keogh fired wide and Ryan Flood drove over the top in a good position while Ellis Farrar headed over the top early in the second half.

McNutt said: “The good thing is that we created loads of chances. In the first phase of matches, we mightn’t have created that many chances, but we look stronger now and we look better on the ball. We know this is a process and a project, but we have to take those chances.

“It will take a long time. This is a long-term project. All we had when we stepped in was Ryan Rainey so this is a completely new squad.

“The boys are bonding well and they’re gelling together. You can see that they have a bit of quality and they’re becoming a bit of a family. Dave is pushing for them to work together on and off the pitch.”

After 11 games, Harps are sixth and within two points of third-placed Athlone.

McNutt, already at the club as the under-19 manager, was drafted into the first team backroom staff by Dave Rogers after his appointment.

The Buncrana man says their new-look Harps want to stay in the play-off mix.

He said: “We’re delighted with where we’re at at this stage of the season. Of course we want to get into the play-offs, but that only matters in the last few games of the season.

“We’re there or thereabouts at this stage of the season and we’re pushing for the top five.

“They’re all great lads. Dave has come in and asked for a style of play and that takes real focus. He demands that style and the players are demanding that now too. It’s beginning to show on the pitch. We are improving and that’s what we’re trying to do.”