IF THE JACKIE Crossan Premier Division title ends up at Shamrock Park, then a dramatic penalty save by Paddy Harkin this afternoon will be at the head of any highlights reel.
Clonmany Shamrocks 2 Buncrana Hearts 1
Although they’ve a bit to go yet before they can dream of the silverware, Harkin’s save, in the 94th minute, from Gary Duffy’s spot kick, gives alive their challenge.
Clonmany have only one game to play and have ten points to spare on Glengad United, the defending champions.
Glengad, though, have four games in hand, but the last game of the campaign sees the contenders clash at Shamrock Park.
All the goals here came in the first half with Jason Devlin and Mark McLaughlin netting for Sean Tolly’s Clonmany after Liam McCarron headed Buncrana in front.
But the whole narrative of this latest, gripping title race on the peninsula could well hinge on that moment, four minutes into added time, when Harkin dived left to save from Duffy’s spot-kick.
Admittedly it wasn’t a well struck effort by the defender, but Harkin still had to get his paws to it.
The penalty was given by Terence Moyne after John McLaughlin was pushed by Philip Devlin having got on the end of Kieran McDaid’s pass following a brilliant run.
Harkin’s save sent the home crowd into raptures.
The mood was so different when they fell behind. John McLaughlin’s free kick was driven in and McCarron, inrushing in a crowded box, magnificently headed past Harkin.
Three minutes later former Finn Harps man McDaid beat Harkin with a Beckham-esque effort from the half-way line, but it crashed off the crossbar.
Buncrana Hearts
Steve Harkin twice had chances for Clonmany, who were growing into the game, but he nodded just wide and then saw Mark McGonigle made a good save for Buncrana.
On the half-hour, Clonmany drew level after being awarded a free when McGonigle handled outside his penalty box. Mark McLaughlin’s shot was turned behind for a corner, from which Devlin rose highest to head home.
They were ahead six minutes before half-time. Fergal Harkin provided a cross for Michael Devlin and his pass found Mark McLaughlin whose finish was excellent, giving McGonigle no chance.
Devlin wasn’t far off a third, only to see an effort deflected wide for a corner while the same player shot straight at McGonigle on the hour when well placed.
McGonigle kept Buncrana in it with a diving save to deny Philip Devlin after he got on the end of a head-on by Harkin.
Eight minutes from the end, sub James McGonagle should have equalised, but a free header was into Harkin’s hands after he connected to McDaid’s cross.
McGonagle riffled over when Ryan Doherty, Calvin Gallagher and McDaid combined and, just when all seemed lost for the Hearts, they were given a late lifeline.
But it is Clonmany who emerged with a lifeline thanks to Harkin’s save from Duffy, which means – provided Glengad do the necessary with their games in hand – it’s all set up for a do-or-die meeting between the challengers.
Clonmany Shamrocks: Paddy Harkin, Conor Bradley, Fergal Harkin, Liam Hirrell, Philip Doran, Raymond McDaid, Steve Harkin (Greg Bradley 72), Jason Devlin (Jamie Coyle 72), Mark McLaughlin, Michael Devlin, Niall McLaughlin.
Buncrana Hearts: Mark McGonigle, Karl Kelly, Ryan Doherty, Donald O’Doherty, Gary Duffy, John McLaughlin, Matthew Barber (James McGonagle 78), Kieran McDaid, Paddy Fletcher (Calvin Gallagher 50), Liam McCarron, Eoin Murphy.
Referee: Terence Moyne.
Tags: