Triathletes United saw off Finn Harps 2-1 in the First Division's 33rd round on Friday evening. The hosts moved five points clear of their visitors with the result completing a difficult run of fixtures. By then, the visitors had already lost three of their last four league games and were looking for a response.
The opening goal arrived in the 43rd minute when A. McLaughlin fired home for the hosts. Finn Harps equalised almost immediately in stoppage time through B. Feeney, and the half ended level. And here's the thing about that period — the visitors kept knocking on the door but couldn't find a clear chance to lead.
B. Regan turned the game in the 67th minute, slotting home to restore the hosts' advantage. From that point, Finn Harps pushed for an equaliser but found themselves chasing the game. To be fair, the visitors had more territory but lacked the sharpness in the final third.
Substitutions came thick and fast in the closing stages as both sides tried to hold their positions. Triathletes United brought on C. Harkin, A. McLaughlin, T. McNamee, J. Oyenuga, and Benny. Finn Harps introduced R. Lawlor and M. Byrne to add fresh legs, though the visitors could not find a way through.
The statistics told a story of dominance without conversion. Finn Harps enjoyed 53 per cent of the ball and registered 74 attacks, yet only four shots hit the target. Triathletes United were more clinical with six shots on target and a 50 per cent accuracy rate, taking their chances when they mattered.
The victory lifts Triathletes United to ninth place on 32 points from 32 games, while Finn Harps remain tenth with 25 points. The hosts had lost 2-0 to Bray Wanderers in their previous outing, so this result provided a welcome turnaround. The visitors, meanwhile, extend a poor run that now includes four defeats in five league matches.
