McCabe sees red again
Shamrock Rovers 1 Finn Harps 1
Ten-man Shamrock Rovers had to settle for a draw as Gary McCabe was sent off following an off-the-ball incident after 66 minutes – his second straight red card of the campaign.
Rovers went ahead after only eight minutes when Gary Shaw headed home Brandon Miele’s corner. This was precisely the kind of start that Ollie Horgan’s charges were aiming to avoid and Harps goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher had to be at his best to turn away Shaw’s powerful shot just before the break.
The Hoops, desperately needing all three points to keep alive their faltering League hopes, were left shell-shocked within three minutes of the resumption when an enticing cross from the left flank was headed home by Dave Scully.
Rovers made a big effort to regain the initiative and Gallagher made further good saves to deny McCabe and Shaw before McCabe received his marching orders. Killian Brennan went close with a free kick in closing stages before Michael Funsten almost snatched a Harps’ winner.
Shamrock Rovers – Hyland; Madden, Cornwall, Heaney, O’Connor; McCabe, McPhail (Cregg 80), Brennan; Clarke (North 70), Shaw, Miele (Doona 85).
Finn Harps – Gallagher; Boyle (J Mailey 93), McNulty, P Mailey, McMonagle, Coll; Funston, Harkin, Hanlon (McNamee 71); Houston, Scully (McHugh 62).
Ref – A Buttimer (Cork).