By Matthew Wilson
Finn Harps midfielder Max Hutchinson expressed that the group want to make Finn Park a fortress this year and hopes they can continue to do that when they host Wexford FC this Friday.
Finn Harps made the long trip to Cork to face last time out and they made sure that the journey was worthwhile, coming away from St Colman’s Park with a share of the spoils.
The hosts took the lead just before the break courtesy of a goal from Kai O’Neill but it was cancelled out with just under 20 minutes to go, with Nathan Lumingo making an impact from off the bench to draw the visitors level.
It was Finn Harps’ first time coming away from the Cork ground with a positive result since 2018 and having gotten rid of another unwanted record last week by securing a first league win over UCD in seven years, Hutchinson hopes that the group can continue to do this.
“It was probably a fair result. Both teams had chances to win the game and lose the game so a point for both teams is fair.
“All of the travelling is hard so to walk away with a point there you are happy. So yeah, to come away with a point we’re happy. We haven’t won down there since 2018.
“Hopefully we can change a couple of those stats. I didn’t realise it’s been that long since we beat UCD (2019) and to now get a result down it Cobh so hopefully we can change a couple of them. If we do it just means more points on the board for us.”
Having conceded just prior to the short whistle at St Colman’s Park, Cobh Ramblers’ opening goal will have come as a sucker punch to Kevin McHugh’s side.
However, they displayed immense character from this position to come out battling after the restart to earn themselves a point on the road which was a big positive in Hutchinson’s eyes.
“The boys really had to dig in. I said at half-time, it was a sloppy goal to give to them right on the stroke of half-time, it really kills momentum.
“If we walked in there 0-0 after a six hour bus journey you’d think we’re still in this but for it to be 1-0, you think right boys now we’ve got to do pretty much double the work to come away with the point or to go and win the game.
“It was real character from the boys to really dig in and even the boys coming on to change the game.”
The English midfielder operated at the heart of the defence during spells of last season for the Navenny Street Club but he commenced this campaign back in his more familiar centre midfield position.
Hutchinson has started the season brightly in the blue and white jersey, getting forward when the opportunity has presented itself and with great effect, getting two assists in the last two games which he stated he’s been pleased with.
“I’m very pleased with how the season’s going so far. Last season I was playing more in defence but that’s not my position, my position is box-to-box midfielder.
“I’m happy to play anywhere for the team but I think at heart my position is where I am right now. With two assists in two games, that’s a reward, not just for me but the boys around me as well.”
Max is the son of Don Hutchinson, a former professional footballer who lined out for clubs such as Liverpool, Everton and West Ham while also receiving 26 Scotland caps during his career
With a wealth of experience in the game and having utilised in a similar position, Don will have mentored and advised his son during his progression through the ranks.
Speaking about his father, Max expressed that his father keeps a close eye on his journey at Finn Harps and makes the trip over to Ballybofey when the opportunity presents itself.
“He’s a big influence on me. Growing up as a father, that’s the first thing that I see him as. He’s a dad to me first and a footballer second.
“Obviously now he still supports me, he was at one of our games last year. He obviously works himself so it’s hard for him to come over and watch and also on the television but he does as much as he can.”
Up next for the Finn Park residents is a meeting with Wexford FC on home soil this Friday night.
Stephen Elliott’s outfit have started the season similarly to Finn Harps, registering four points from their opening three outings.
Kevin McHugh’s side will be looking to make it three games unbeaten when Wexford FC make the trip north but Hutchinson feels that the opponents have strengthened in the winter months and will provide a stern test.
“It’ll be a good game. I think Wexford are a strong side this year by looking at the boys that they’ve signed in the off-season.
“I don’t think this will be an easy game, I think It’ll be quite a big game that’s quite under estimated. Obviously you have Cork City at home which will be a big game but I really think this Wexford game might be one of the biggest as well.”
A crowd of over 1,000 gathered for Finn Harps’ first home league encounter against UCD a fortnight ago when they capped off a fine display with three points.
They’ll be hoping for a similar attendance when they take to the pitch this Friday night, with the Finn Harps midfielder discussing the vocal home support will play a significant role in the group’s aims of making Finn Park a fortress this term.
“It does make a big difference when we see and hear the crowd behind us. With their support it really does make Finn Park a fortress and that’s what we are trying to do this year.
“If we can get as many points as possible at home then I’m sure we’ll be getting up that table.”
