Finn Harps Under-19s leave it late to snatch dramatic win over Athlone

THEY COULD hardly have left it much later, but Finn Harps Under-19s stole a victory from beneath Athlone Town’s noses at the New Camp in Killygordon this afternoon.

Finn Harps 2 Athlone Town 1

Chasing a first win of the season, Harps fell behind to Ryan Gaffey’s penalty in the 76^th minute.

From somewhere, Joe Boyle’s team summonsed the most dramatic of comebacks.

Picture caption: Finn Harps Under-19s celebrate Mark Coyle’s late match winner against Athlone Town. Picture by Anthony McGlynn.

Declan Sharkey drew Harps level in the 85^th minute and, just when it seemed as if a late onslaught was to be in vein, the boys in blue struck gold.

Substitute Mark Coyle was the hero of the hour. His shot from outside the box deflected off a defender enough to take it past Sean Nolan, the Athlone goalkeeper.

There were three minutes and 12 seconds of injury time played when Coyle scored the winner and there was just about enough time for Athlone to tip-off again before referee Marty McGarrigle called time.

Athlone were stunned, but Harps elated after collecting their first three points of the season.

Harps began their campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Derry City and drew 1-1 with St Patrick’s Athletic and while they came here as the favourites, it was Athlone who hit the front 14 minutes from the end.

Lee McCarron had barely been threatened in the Harps goal, but when Gaffey jinked his way into the box he drew a foul from Daire Ó Baoill before dusting himself down and coolly dispatching the penalty.

Harps levelled when Sharkey prodded to the bottom corner after Harps worked a quick throw-in. As Sharkey was drawing back to score, Athlone were still vigorously contesting the awarding of the throw.

Harps, inspired now by the equaliser, threw all their might looking for a winner.

Simon McGlynn shot over after a good run by Liam Doherty and Coyle fired wide with what seemed to be the last chance.

There would be one more – and Coyle grabbed it with both hands to clinch the win.

Harps started well, but couldn’t carve out an opening. They did have the ball in the net in the ninth minute when Luke Nelis prodded home after BJ Banda touched on a cross by Sharkey.

Nelis had strayed into an offside position and the hoisted flag of assistant referee Vincent McLoughlin cut short the celebrations.

McGlynn showed majestic close control early on when he managed to dance his way around on the edge of the six-yard box but, at the vital moment, had the ball taken from his toes.

Harps were well on top, but wilted a little as the first half went on.

Banda was inches from connecting with a good cross from Paul Ferry, while McGlynn flicked a header wide after getting on the end of a superb cross by Gareth Doherty.

Luke Dignam went close twice for Athlone, but headed wide and couldn’t keep a volley on target.

Harps continued to press and Dylan McCroary was closest yet when he headed against the inside of the post but late in the day the pendulum swung and then swung some more with Coyle having the last say as late in the day as you’ll find.

Finn Harps: Lee McCarron; Liam Doherty, Daire Ó Baoill, Ciaran Kelly (Paul McDermott 52), Paul Ferry (Dylan McCroary half-time); Simon McGlynn, Keelan McDermott, Gareth Doherty (Mark Coyle 52), Luke Nelis; Declan Sharkey; BJ Banda.

Athlone Town: Sean Nolan; Robbie O’Leary, Ciaran O’Connell, Ciaran Maguire, Sean McGrane; Matthew Connolly, James Newell, Pierce Townsend, James Woods; Ryan Gaffey, Luke Dignam.

Referee: Marty McGarrigle.