Finn Harps fail to take chances

National League Play-off, first leg / Finn Harps 0 Derry City 0: It's advantage to Derry City in this season's relegation-promotion final after they held north-west neighbours Finn Harps scorless in Ballybofey last night.

And while it was the home side who enjoyed the best scoring chances they failed to penetrate a Derry rearguard in which Peter Hutton was outstanding.

For Derry, it will be a case of mission accomplished, although they would be well advised not to take anything for granted in the second leg on Saturday night in The Brandywell.

Finn Harps, always prepared to burst forward at every opportunity, dominated the few scoring chances that had been created, and the first-half corner count of 3-0 in Harps' favour certainly reflected that statistic.

However, while Derry goalkeeper Alan Gough wasn't overly troubled, it was his opposite number who pulled off a superb save in the 26th minute.

Gary Ramsey, who joined the Ballybofey club just before the transfer window closed at the end of August, did well to touch Robbie Hedderman's 30-yard dipping drive over his crossbar.

At the other end, Kevin McHugh failed to hit the target twice in the space of two minutes as Harps tried to work their way in behind the visiting back four.

In the 31st minute Gough failed to collect a high ball in his area, and, when it had been hooked clear, the hard-working Gary Beckett presented a threat but he was immediately closed down by the Finn Harps defenders.

After the break it was more of the same with tackles flying in high and heavy. Both Paddy McLaughlin and Jonathan Minnock were booked within the space of two minutes as the tension grew.

In the 53th minute Niall Bonner went close, having gained possession in midfield, but his shot sailed over the crossbar when he could have done better.

Eamon Doherty then drove the ball low into the danger area in the 68th minute but Harps defender Shane Bradley got the all-important block.

With 10 minutes remaining Derry striker Mark Farren was presented with a chance following a throw-in on the left, but Declan Boyle did well to get back and get in a last ditch challenge.

Harps had a glorious chance to win the first leg in the 81st minute. McGrenaghan's corner was left by Donal O'Brien but when Whitehead raced in on the blindside his angled shot was deflected wide.

FINN HARPS: Ramsey; Asoku, Boyle, Bradley, Minnock; McGrenaghan, Mohan, O'Brien, Bonner; McHugh, Whitehead.

DERRY CITY: Gough; McCallion, McLaughlin, Hutton, Hedderman; Deery, Doherty, McGlynn, Hargan; Beckett, Farren. Subs: Gill for McGlynn (71 mins).

Referee: Eddie Barr (Dublin).