Knockalla Caravans Cup holders Bonagee United progressed to the semi-finals of this year’s competition with a single goal victory over a decent Finn Harps reserves side tonight at Dry Arch Park, writes Charlie Collins
Bonagee United 1-0 Finn Harps Reserves
A first half goal from the penalty spot from Michael Doherty was all that was between them at the end, although Harps had plenty of the ball without creating as much as they would’ve liked.
Harps had the first real opening on four minutes when Corey McBride got through, only for Eugene Ferry in the Bonagee goal to deny the visitors the opening goal.
At the other end, just shy of the half-hour, Ryan Rainey did brilliantly to avoid a couple of challenges and cross to Michael Doherty, who could only manage to hit the crossbar with the goal gaping.
However, Bonagee were to hit the front on 32 minutes when they worked a short corner and with Robbie Hume and Doherty combining, the latter’s cross was into the area and referee Vincent McLoughlin adjudged that Ryan Aikpantyi handled. The Harps defender was unfortunate as the ball appeared to rebound off his body onto his arm. Doherty converted.
Pat Loughney of Harps, on 35 minutes, did well on the left and Stephen Doherty’s cross found Niall McGinley, who couldn’t get his header on target.
The hosts were 1-0 up at half-time.
There weren’t so many openings in the second half, although Harps’ Gabriel Aoutaka, volleyed at Ferry following a cross from Jack Doherty 16 minutes from time.
Bonagee United: Eugene Ferry; Jamie Lynagh (Chris Flanagan 73), Gareth Breslin, Mark Harkin, Emmet Friel; Michael Funston, Dan O’Donnell, Sean Hume (Jordan Armstrong 73), Michael Doherty; Robbie Hume (Garbhan Grant 75), Ryan Rainey.
Finn Harps: Eoin McGing; Ryan Aikpantyi (Rory O’Donnell 50), Joe Bradley-Walsh, Lee McLaughlin, Darragh Ellison; Pat Loughney, Niall McKinley, Stephen Doherty (Dylan Woods 75), Ronan Gallagher (Jordan Gallagher 82); Corey McBride (Jack Doherty 15), Gabriel Aoutaka, Corey McBride.
Referee: Vincent McLoughlin.
