Cork City rally to secure a point away to Finn Harps

Finn Harps 1 Cork City 1 

CORK City came from behind to earn a draw against Finn Harps in Finn Park on Friday night. 

City fell behind in the first half after Sean Murray’s mistake allowed Success Edogun to capitalise. However, after a poor first half, City improved after the break and deservedly levelled through a Jack Doherty penalty.

Tim Clancy made three changes from the side that defeated Kerry on the opening day of the season, with three of the younger players making way in Arran Healy, Matthew Kiernan and Cathal O’Sullivan. They were replaced by Barry Coffey, John O’Donovan and Niall Brookwell, who was making his debut for the club after his switch from Workington earlier this month.

It was an even start to the game with both teams doing well to adjust to the extremely bobbly pitch. City looked for diagonal balls to Harry Nevin who was getting himself in advanced positions and were finding some joy with the tactic.

The Rebel Army fell behind when Sean Murray’s tame backpass was pounced upon by Edogun who steered the ball beyond the onrushing Brad Wade who in hindsight should not have been so rash in his decision to rush towards the Harps striker as it made it a much easier finish for Edogun. 

In Wade’s defence, he was anticipating a stronger pass from Murray, which meant the keeper started in a high position, but it was still the incorrect decision from Wade to charge towards Edogun.

City controlled possession following the goal but not in dangerous areas. Harps stood off their opponents allowing City’s back-three to pass the ball amongst themselves. When they did go forward, the final ball lacked quality and was frequently overhit.

Last week’s two-goal hero Doherty, did cause a moment of concern in the Harps’ defence but his strike went wide of the post. As the half came to a close, City looked more threatening going forward, with Cian Coleman and Doherty both having chances to level the game.

O’Sullivan was introduced at half-time which saw City switch formation to a 4-4-2. The Rebel Army looked more comfortable in the possession and it reduced the passing across the backline, meaning their passing became more purposeful. They had their hosts pinned back and frequently Harps had every player in their half.

Harps almost doubled their advantage when Edogun was played through by Patrick Ferry, but this time the striker was unable to take advantage of his opportunity. Although he was under pressure, Edogun should have at least hit the target.

City drew level when they were awarded a penalty after a clumsy handball by Mattew Makinson, who fell on top of the ball after intercepting a pass. From the resulting penalty, Doherty made no mistake to continue his impressive goalscoring start to life in a City shirt.

HARPS: Hiemer; Watson, Makinson, Baba, McMonagle; Doherty (Coyle 83), Cawley, Hutchinson, McNamee, Ferry (Mbuli 69); Edogun.

CITY: Wade; Brookwell (O’Sullivan 46), Coleman, Lyons; Nevin, Murray, Coffey McLaughlin (Umeh 76), O’Donovan; Doherty, Wood.

Referee: M Lynch.