Harps hang on for victory

Finn Harps 2 Cobh Ramblers 1

Conor Gethins worked the oracle again for Finn Harps to get them off to a winning start.

A dour match sprung to life on 31 minutes when Harps took the lead with a superbly executed goal.

Chris Breen worked the ball in from the left to Stephen Parkhouse, who fed Gethins and last season's top scorer arrowed a low shot to the net.

Gethins then set up Shaun Williams to shoot home Harps’ second, and decisive, goal on 47 minutes.

Cobh battled back in the second half and defender Kevin Murray fired home on 64 minutes, but Harps held out for the three points.