Fanad United secured a hard fought 2-1 victory over a youthful Finn Harps Reserves on Sunday afternoon.
Fanad United 2 Finn Harps Reserves 1
Harps started the stronger of the two teams having most of the early possession.
In the 10th minute Fanad somehow managed to avoid going behind as Harps hit the woodwork twice in a matter of seconds.
Dylan McGrory struck the post with a fierce shot from 20 yards and from the rebound Luke Nelis crashed his shot off the crossbar.
Five minutes later Adam Duffy seen his lob from inside the box go just over the Fanad bar. Somewhat against the run of play Fanad took the lead in the 20th minute.
When Oisin McMenamin controlled a kick out from Shane Graham, he surged down the right and his ball into the box was met by Davitt Walsh who made no mistake.
Finn Harps Reserves
On the half hour mark Gareth Doherty seen a well struck free go just over. Fanad were starting to get hold of the game and with five minutes of the half remaining Harps keeper Joe Boyle produced a fine save to deny Kyle Black who hit a rasping shot from 20 yards out.
The second half started at a slower pace with neither side creating any clear chances in the opening 10 minutes. On 57th minutes Fanad were awarded a free 25 yards out and Tony McNamee stepped up but his shot flew just wide.
A minute later Shaun McElwaine sent a superb ball forward to Oisin McMenamin who turned his marker but his shot curled just wide of the post.
Harps got a deserved equaliser with 66 minutes gone. After some good work down the right, the ball fell to Liam Walsh who emulated older brother Davitt by finding the back of the net.
The goal seemed to spark Fanad back into life and they took the lead with 13 minutes remaining.
A corner swung in from the right caused havoc in the Harps box and eventually the ball broke to Daire McDaid who’s close range header went over the line.
Three minutes later Shane Graham produced a fine save to deny Michael Gallagher.
Fanad were reduced to 10 men in the 95th minute when Daire McDaid received a second yellow card.
Best for Fanad were Shaun McElwaine, Keelin McElwaine and Oisin Langan. Best for Harps were Keenan Diver, Liam Walsh and Gareth Doherty.
Fanad United: Shane Graham, Keelin McElwaine, Oisin Langan, Shaun McElwaine, Seamus Friel, Tony McNamee, Marty McAteer, Davitt Walsh, Kyle Black (Darragh Black 68), Conor Blaney (Daire McDaid 45), Oisin McMenamin
Finn Harps Reserves: Joe Boyle, Evan McGrory (Dean O’Donnell 63), Dara Ellison (Keelin McDermot 68), Keenan Diver, Liam Doherty, Ryan Finn, Dylan McGrory, Liam Walsh, Adam Duffy, Gareth Doherty, Luke Nelis (Ciaran Kelly 30)
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