Finn Harps fall to defeat as disputed penalty gives Cobh victory

A controversial penalty, netted by Cian Murphy nine minutes from the end, gave Cobh Ramblers victory over Finn Harps.

Five games in, Darren Murphy’s Harps are still searching for a first win of the season, but there was certainly a sour taste about the manner of this defeat. 

Murphy went to ground and, after what seemed like a long pause, referee Marc Lynch pointed to the penalty spot. Murphy, the winter signing from Cork City, stepped up to superbly beat David Aziaya, the Harps goalkeeper, from 12 yards.

The decision to award the penalty was hotly-contested by the Harps management, who voiced their displeasure.

It was in vain, though, as they fell to a fourth defeat of the season.

A bitterly cold mist hung in the Ballybofey air as Cobh came from behind after Patrick Ferry’s early opener.

Harps had the best possible start, taking the lead after only six minutes. Gavin Hodgins provided the opportunity with a low ball across the danger zone. Ferry took receipt and fired beyond Timothy Martin - a Luxembourg U21 international - to the bottom corner.

There were still some of the attendance making their way into the venue when Ferry struck gold. 

Cobh, yet to lose this season before their voyage to the north west, arrived in Ballybofey buoyed by a 5-0 hammering of Longford last weekend and boss Mick McDermott kept faith with the same team that began that rout.

Cobh were taken over by FC32, a United States-based group, in October and the club appointed the well-travelled Mick McDermott as manager in December.

Their ambitions have been clear since McDermott’s arrival at St Colman’s Park.

Cobh levelled in the 28th minute when, after Harps failed to deal with a corner, Barry Coffey - who scored twice against Longford - prodded home at the Town End in the ensuing scramble. 

Captain Shane Griffin riffled well over six minutes before the break with Cobh beginning to get on top.

Gavin McAteer was restored to the Harps XI at the expense of Anto Dodd, who dropped to the bench. 

Last time out, Harps earned their first point of the season when Hodgins netted in a 1-1 draw with UCD at Belfield. 

Ten minutes into the second half, Coffey stole in behind to get on the end of Dale Holland’s pass, but shot into the side netting.

That came after Max Hutchison thwarted the Cobh advanced with some brave defending while Harps defender Conor Tourish was previously off-target with an ambitious effort.  

The night hinged on that moment, in the 81st minute, when Murphy slotted home.

Harps pushed hard for an equaliser in the closing stages. Finn Park gasped when sub Grade Lomboto shot at close range, but his attempt was wide.

In the first minute of added on time, Max Johnston, another replacement, found himself in on Martin, but the visiting ‘keeper beat away to secure the win.

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Finn Harps: David Aziaya; Mikey Place, Conor Tourish, Max Hutchison, Kevin Jordan; Tony McNamee, Joel Thompson; Patrick Ferry (Max Johnston 82), Gavin McAteer (Anto Dodd 69), Gavin Hodgins; Dara McGuinness (Gradi Lomboto 69).

Cobh Ramblers: Timothy Martin; Jonas Hakkinen, Cian Coleman, Shane Griffin (Brendan Frahill 88), John O’Donovan (Tiernan O’Brien 82); Niall O’Keefe (Ciam Bargary 63), Dale Holland; Shane Griffin (Jason Abbott 88), Barry Coffey, Sam Bellis (David Bosnjak 63); Cian Murphy.

Referee: Marc Lynch.