10-man Kerry pick up first opening night win with victory over Finn Harps

Joe Adams and Niall Brookwell got the goals for Kerry.

Fri, 14 Feb, 2025 - 21:58

Murt Murphy, Mounthawk Park

SSE Airtricity Men’s First Division: Kerry FC 2 Finn Harps 0

Kerry FC began their third season in the SSE Airtricity First Division with a first opening night win since they joined the league.

Both sides spent the first twenty minutes getting to know each other with both defences on top. Kerry fieleded six debutants and all acquitted themselves well. The home side dominated possession without ever creating a clear cut chance while Finn Harps were dependent on the odd fast break.

But Kerry’s territorial dominance finally paid dividends, getting the opener in the24th minute when Nathan Gleeson crossed low across the box, Ronan Teahan got a touch and it was debutant Joe Adams who finished at the back post.

The home side with Ronan Teahan on the fire created another chance three minutes later when Adams again was fouled out on the left and his free kick was tipped over for a corner by keeper Oisin Cooney, but it came nothing.

Finn Harps created a half chance in the thirty second minute when Patrick Ferry raced past Alex Dunne before his low cross into the Kerry danger zone that Sean O’Connell did well to clear.

But Kerry, with centre halves Abel Alabi and Chris McQueen rock solid at the back, could have doubled their lead just before the interval, when Ryan Kelliher crossed to Nathan Gleeson and he produced a delightful ball across the danger zone that eluded everyone.

Kerry were full value for their 1-0 half time lead but could they hang on for their first opening night win in three years.

But Finn Harps had Kerry under the cosh early in the second half and after forcing a third corner, substitute Gavin Hodgins had his blocked with Finn Harps have strong claims for a penalty turned down.

Then in the 53rd minute Finn Harps missed an open goal when Alabi under-hit his back pass to Tim Hiemer but Hodgins directed his effort wide of the target.

Kerry recovered and should have doubled their lead in the 58th minute when Daniel Okwute drilled his effort just wide of the Harps goal.

But Kerry then forced two corners and from the second Adams corner, Abel Alabi headed it down and Niall Brookwell blasted the ball to Harps net.

But no sooner had Kerry gone 2-0 in front than Adams received a straight red for a dangerous challenge on Michael Place.

But Kerry FC was never troubled and in fact might well have increased their lead but an opening night win will give the side renewed optimism for the season.

Kerry FC: Tim –Oliver- Hiemer; Alex Dunne, Abel Alabi, Chris McQueen, Sean O’Connell; Ronan Teahan, Niall Brookwell, Sean McGrath, Nathan Gleeson, Joe Adams, Ryan Kelliher.

Subs: Kevin Williams for A Dunne (h/t), Daniel Okwute for N Gleeson (h/t), Oran Crowe for S McGrath (80), Stevan Stanic-Floody for R Teahan (86), Theo Marcel Farquharson (96)

Finn Harps: Oisin Cooney; Michael Place, Max Hutchison, Conor Tourish, Joel Thompson; Patrick Ferry, David Cawley, Anthony Dodd, Tony McNamee, Dara McNamara, Gavin Gilmore

Subs: G Hodgins for G Gilmore (h/t), Max Johnson for Anthony Dodd (69), Gradi Lomboto for P Ferry (69), Joel Bradley Walsh for G Hodgins (94) Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin)