Finn Harps boss Dave Rogers pleased to see his side advance in FAI Cup
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we knew it was going to be a tough environment. It was a different type of challenge than some of them have probably ever faced, but fair play to Kilbarrack”
By Daire Walsh
Finn Harps manager Dave Rogers hailed his side for standing up to the challenge of Kilbarrack United in the opening round of the FAI Cup at Greendale Road on Friday evening.
Thanks to Max Hutchison’s deflected goal in the 23rd minute, Harps recorded a 1-0 win over their Leinster Senior League counterparts to consequently book their spot in the next phase of the competition. When you consider Ross Carrig’s side have been unbeaten at home for close to 60 games in their domestic league, this always had the potential to be a tricky fixture and so it proved.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game and we knew it was going to be a tough environment. It was a different type of challenge than some of them have probably ever faced, but fair play to Ross. Ross is a good guy, I’ve known Ross for many years. Fair play to everyone at Kilbarrack United because they’ve got great facilities. They try and do things the right way,” Rogers acknowledged in the aftermath of the game.
“For me, there is no such thing as part-time or full-time. You’re either professional or unprofessional and I think everything that they’re doing here is absolutely outstanding and professional.
“Pleased for Max (Hutchison) scoring a goal. In the first half, I thought we played well. Not great, but we played well. Then in the second half it was just a little bit nitty, gritty and we knew Kilbarrack were going to throw everything at us. Fair play to the boys, I thought we stood up to the challenge really well.”
When you throw their scoreless draw with Bray Wanderers on July 14 and the previous Friday’s 4-3 victory against Cobh Ramblers into the mix, Harps are now on an unbeaten run of three games across all competitions. Next up for them is a trip to First Division basement team Kerry FC this coming Friday and Rogers is hoping his charges can continue on an upward trajectory.
“We want to keep that momentum and build momentum. A clean sheet, for me I always challenge the players. Being an ex-defender, I thrive off clean sheets. We’re in the next round and onwards and upwards,” Rogers added.
“We’ve won 1-0 away from home to a really, really good and tough junior team, who will keep going on and being successful. We’re just looking forward now.”