By Chris Ashmore
Finn Harps 2
Shelbourne 2
Finn Harps opened their Women’s Development League account with a hugely spirited performance as they held a fancied Shelbourne side to a 2-2 draw at Finn Park yesterday.
Shelbourne actually took the lead just before the break from a Madeleine McKinley free but Harps struck back with goals from Sarah Mulvaney Kelly and Molly Page in a three minute spell after the break before the Dublin side made it 2-2 with a great long range strike from Lara Whelan.
On what was an historic occasion for Harps – fielding a senior women’s team for the first time ever in this new league – this was a very encouraging display and augurs well for the months ahead.
Both sides took time to settle in the testing, heavy underfoot conditions but thankfully the pitch held up well despite a torrential downpour about an hour before the kick-off.
The surface certainly hindered free-flowing football but both teams were intent on trying to build patiently and as the half progressed a number of chances unfolded at both ends.
Finn Harps captain Aislinn Coll certainly looked a threat when venturing forward while Sarah McGuinness looked lively on the right flank.
Both sides found it difficult to create clear openings but Shelbourne took the lead just before the break with Madeleine McKinley whipping in a free from just outside the box.
Shels conjured up the opening chance of the second half when Sadbh Hartley surged through on goal but Diver was quickly off her line to avert the danger.
However, Harps equalised on 50 minutes as substitute Ella McHugh slipped the ball through to another player introduced at half-time, Mulvaney-Kelly and although her initial shot smacked off the post, she quickly followed up to blast the loose ball into the net.
And Shels were still recovering when Harps struck again just two minutes later as following a goalmouth scramble – that saw the ball being cleared off the line after a corner – Page was on hand just inside the box and duly seized the opportunity and fired the ball through a crowd of players to make it 2-1.
Harps were clearly on top at this stage and started opening up the Shels’ backline but the visitors survived and then drew level with a wonderful 25 yard strike from Lara Whelan.
Both sides had chances to win the contest, with Shelbourne going closer. McKinley was thwarted by Diver who once more was alert coming off her line while Ruby Phelan just fired wired.
Ultimately, a draw was probably a fair outcome as a late winner at either end would have been tougher on the losers.
Finn Harps: Clare Diver, Freya Canning, Niam Ryan, Molly Page, Aislinn Coll, Sarah McGuinness, Codie Walsh, Olivia Maxwell, Eva Blaney, Alanna Curran, Rachel Friel. Subs: Rocha McCullagh for Canning, Ella McHugh for Maxwell, Sarah Mulvaney-Kelly for Coll (half-time), Alanna Kee for Blaney and Cliodhna Kelly for McGuinness (70 mins).
Shelbourne: Grace Keaveney, Jade Flannery, Robyn Shanley, Aoife McDermott, Emily Kelly, Lara Whelan, Ruby Phelan, Sadbh Hartley, Madeleine McKinley, Cathy Hackett, Sarah O’Neill. Subs: Caoimhe O’Brien for Kelly (66 mins), Amy Harman for O’Neill (84 mins).
Player of the Match
Clare Diver made a number of important saves and was impressive for Harps while substitutes Ella McHugh and Sarah Mulvaney Kelly certainly made an impact in the second half. Niamh Ryan put in a great display in defence but the accolade goes to the ubiquitous Molly Page whose decision making and influence on the game was significant.
Turning Point
Harps’ equaliser gave them real confidence with two of the half-time substitutes Ella McHugh and Sarah Mulvaney Kelly showing just how important squad depth will be
The Whistler
Packie Coll used his experience to let the game flow and to try and play the advantage where possible on the heavy surface. .
Talking Point
Lara Whelan’s super strike for Shels to make it 2-2 was the stand out moment in the game, but the talk afterwards was really about how well that Harps had played and what a good contest it was.
What’s Next
Harps are on the road next weekend for their first away game in the division as they make the short trip to take on Sligo Rovers in a derby clash.
