Daly admits his side got 'rub of green' against Harps in controversial late win

John Daly admits that St Patrick’s Athletic’s quickness of thought on a hesitant throw-in call was probably what prompted the match officials to give the controversial decision his side’s way in their 2-1 FAI Cup win over Finn Harps.

On 85 minutes and with matters deadlocked a one apiece, a throw-in that appeared to come off a visiting player was given St Pat’s way.  

And a quick restart from Ryan McLaughlin allowed substitute Thomas Lonergan to freely run through and bury the ball in the top corner of the net.

Pressed on his thoughts after, a relieved Daly seemed to suggest that his side had got the rub of the green on a cal that ultimately decided the contest.

“From my angle, quite close, it looked like it hit Ryan McLaughlin on the leg as it went out. If I’m being honest, sometimes those decisions are about sharpness of thought. 

“And I rethink Ryan was very switched on, the assuredness with how he’s picked the ball up maybe made the linesman’s mind up. That’s football - sometimes you get those decisions and sometimes you don’t.

“It was unfortunate for Dave and his players that it went against them. I’m standing her delighted we got the rub of the green on that one”.