Finn Harps 2-3 Shamrock Rovers
There was controversy aplenty in Ballybofey this evening as Finn Harps were pegged by Shamrock Rovers in the second half and dumped out of the FAI Cup.
Harps were looking to make the semi-finals for the first time since 2014 and scored in the 16th minute when Barry McNamee finished into the bottom corner.
Danny Lafferty missed a good chance to equalise and he was left to rue that in the 20th minute, when Stephen Folan’s header made it 2-0.
Horgan’s men went close again before the break but were in a strong position with a two goal lead at the break.
There was huge controversy at the start of the second half when Rovers were given a soft penalty. Aaron McEneff stepped up and saw his effort saved by Mark Anthony McGinley.
However, as Harps tried to clear the danger, Mark Russell was adjudged to have handled the ball and the ref pointed to the spot again. McEneff kept his nerve this time to score.
Harps were furious and their mood got no better when Rovers were given a third penalty in the 54th minute after Graham Burke went down under the challenge of McGinley. McEneff converted it to level proceedings.
Rovers piled on the pressure after that and were rewarded in the 72nd minute when Graham Burke finished to the net after a good stop from McGinley.
Harps didn’t give up but they couldn’t force an equaliser and Rovers move through to the semi-finals.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)