FINN HARPS MOVED eight points clear of Wexford Youths in the Premier Division’s survival battle as Sean Houston’s brace sealed a first win in 11 for the men from Donegal.
Houston netted a goal in each half to clinch a vital three points for Ollie Horgan’s team.
With Wexford losing 4-1 at St Patrick’s Athletic, there were some anxious moments late on as Harps held on for dear life after Houston put them two-nil ahead.
Substitute Dean Kelly netted for Bray to bring the Seagulls right back in it on 74 minutes, but Harps wouldn’t be denied.
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They took the lead on 12 minutes when Houston converted from Adam Hanlon’s free- kick.
And they doubled that advantage in the 67th minute, when Houston finishing to the bottom corner after Keith Cowan flicked on a Michael Funston throw-in.
In between times, both sides managed to hit the crossbar at the Town End. Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher touched Hugh Douglas’ header onto the goalframe and Ryan Curran’s clipped effort had a similar outcome.
With a two-goal lead to protect, Harps looked home and hosed, but they were made to earn the corn as Kelly breached them with 16 minutes remaining, but the Seagulls – who had won each of their five previous games – couldn’t snatch an equaliser.
FINN HARPS: Ciaran Gallagher; Ethan Boyle, Damien McNulty, Keith Cowan, Ciaran Coll; Michael Funston (Josh Mailey 69), Barry Molloy, Gareth Harkin, Adam Hanlon (Tony McNamee 84); Sean Houston; Ryan Curran (BJ Banda 90).
BRAY WANDERERS: Peter Cherrie; Hugh Douglas, Conor Kenna, Tim Clancy, Kevin Lynch; John Sullivan; Darragh Noone (Chris Lyons 84), Mark Salmon (Ryan Brennan 59), Karl Moore, Dylan Connolly; Ger Pender (Dean Kelly 59).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
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Finn Harps move clear of relegation zone with vital win over Bray
Finn Harps 2
Bray Wanderers 1
FINN HARPS MOVED eight points clear of Wexford Youths in the Premier Division’s survival battle as Sean Houston’s brace sealed a first win in 11 for the men from Donegal.
Houston netted a goal in each half to clinch a vital three points for Ollie Horgan’s team.
With Wexford losing 4-1 at St Patrick’s Athletic, there were some anxious moments late on as Harps held on for dear life after Houston put them two-nil ahead.
Substitute Dean Kelly netted for Bray to bring the Seagulls right back in it on 74 minutes, but Harps wouldn’t be denied.
They took the lead on 12 minutes when Houston converted from Adam Hanlon’s free- kick.
And they doubled that advantage in the 67th minute, when Houston finishing to the bottom corner after Keith Cowan flicked on a Michael Funston throw-in.
In between times, both sides managed to hit the crossbar at the Town End. Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher touched Hugh Douglas’ header onto the goalframe and Ryan Curran’s clipped effort had a similar outcome.
With a two-goal lead to protect, Harps looked home and hosed, but they were made to earn the corn as Kelly breached them with 16 minutes remaining, but the Seagulls – who had won each of their five previous games – couldn’t snatch an equaliser.
FINN HARPS: Ciaran Gallagher; Ethan Boyle, Damien McNulty, Keith Cowan, Ciaran Coll; Michael Funston (Josh Mailey 69), Barry Molloy, Gareth Harkin, Adam Hanlon (Tony McNamee 84); Sean Houston; Ryan Curran (BJ Banda 90).
BRAY WANDERERS: Peter Cherrie; Hugh Douglas, Conor Kenna, Tim Clancy, Kevin Lynch; John Sullivan; Darragh Noone (Chris Lyons 84), Mark Salmon (Ryan Brennan 59), Karl Moore, Dylan Connolly; Ger Pender (Dean Kelly 59).
Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
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