Finn Harps rock Cobh Ramblers to boost playoff push

The win halted a rotten run of six straight defeats for Darren Murphy's side.

Patrick Ferry of Finn Harps. Photo by Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity League First Division Finn Harps 2 (Ferry 62, Watson 83) Cobh Ramblers 0 

Cobh Ramblers’ recent inconsistency continued after a narrow defeat at Finn Park. Patrick Ferry scored the first goal of the game just after the hour and Jamie Watson made sure of the victory to give the hosts a much needed boost in their own quest for a playoff spot.

This halted a rotten run of six straight defeats for Darren Murphy's side.

Finn Harps created the first few openings of the game and could have taken the lead inside two minutes, but Max Johnston fired over.

Tony McNamee created one chance for Success Edogun after 20 minutes, which was routinely saved by Darragh Burke, while the Ramelton man had an effort of his own blocked by Brendan Frahill a few minutes later.

Burke’s evening looked over after the half hour after a clash with Johnston, but he soldiered on until half-time.

Matthew McKevitt had some solid opportunities as the first half edged towards its conclusion, with one effort saved by Cooney, while the other was hooked clear by Kevin Jordan.

Just beyond the hour, Finn Harps scored the first of the evening. McNamee’s header landed at the feet of Edogun, who put a forward pass on a plate for Ferry with his first touch taking him beyond the defence before a calm finish.

Cobh pushed for a fast equaliser but any attempt at the Harps goal was blocked by a stubborn defence. Any shot that did leak through was dealt with by Cooney.

With just under ten minutes to go, Harps doubled their advantage.

McNamee's set-piece delivery bounced around a bit in the area before a flick on from Johnston was bundled home by Watson.

Harps had one last opportunity to add another to their tally but a close range strike from Patton floated wide.

Finn Harps: Cooney; Watson, Tourish(Jordan 20), Makinson, Baba; Hutchison, Cawley(McAteer 89), McNamee, Ferry(Patton 76), Edogun(McLaughlin 89); Johnston 

Cobh Ramblers: Burke(Nganou ht); Browne, Frahill, Evers(O'Brien 81), Le Bervet(Larkin 70), O'Brien(Whitmarsh 85), Holland(Bosnjak 81), Larkin, Phillips; Madika, McKevitt.

Referee: Daryl Carolan