Cowan swoops as nine-man Harps edge Rovers in fiery affair

Airtricity First Division: Nine-man Finn Harps inflicted a fifth straight First Division defeat upon Shamrock Rovers B yesterday with a 1-0 win at Tallaght Stadium.

Keith Cowan’s ninth-minute strike proved enough for the Donegal side on an afternoon they had Michael Funston and Sean McCarron, as well as manager Ollie Horgan, sent off. Funston had played a part in the winning goal when his cross was laid off by Josh Mailey into the path of Cowan to beat goalkeeper Conor O’Malley.

Hoops midfielder Ryan Doolin and Funston then saw red on 26 minutes following a skirmish on the ground, while Emeka Onwubiko was denied an equaliser by a goal-line clearance.

Sean McCarron put more pressure on the visitors by getting his marching orders for a second yellow card 22 minutes from time, but they hung on.

On Saturday night, Longford Town manager Tony Cousins lauded his charges after their 3-0 victory over leaders Shelbourne which sent them top for the first time this season.

For an hour at the City Calling Stadium, there was little between the two promotion chasers.

Then, after Glen O’Connor and Willo McDonagh were sent off for Longford and Shels respectively, David O’Sullivan gave the Midlanders the lead on 64 minutes.

Last season’s top scorer nicked the ball past Reds’ goalkeeper Greg Murray to convert, before Gary Shaw headed in Kevin O’Connor’s cross for the second 18 minutes.

It got worse for Johnny McDonnell’s Shels in the 80th minute when O’Sullivan grabbed his second and Town’s third.

“The players fully deserved the victory,” said delighted Town boss Cousins afterwards.