The predatory instincts of Jonathan Speak salvaged a point for Finn Harps as they staged a late revival against Sligo Rovers in the north west Derby at the Showgrounds on Saturday night. Sligo looked on course for their first win in five matches when they came from behind to take the lead with just seven minutes remaining.
But Speak, who had shot Harps in front early in the second half, came to his side's rescue with a cracking equaliser in the 88th minute.
Chances were few and far between in a surprisingly low key first half. Padraig Moran had Sligo's best chance after 24 minutes but turned the ball wide of the upright. At the other end James Mulligan was unlucky with a blistering shot in the 34th minute and Speak wasted the best chance of the half, blasting over from just six yards five minutes before the interval.
The breakthrough finally arrived within four minutes of the restart when Speak nipped in ahead of advancing Sligo goalkeeper NickyBroujos to get a vital touch on John Gerard McGettigan's cross.
Sligo were level seven minutes later when Neil Ogden beat Jody Byrne with a spectacular shot on the half volley.
Steve Jones gave Sligo the lead with a perfectly measured lob after 83 minutes but the home side's joy was short-lived as the prolific Speak popped up for a late equaliser.
Sligo Rovers: Broujos, Cobbesson, Hutchison, Wade, Hare, Birks, Jones, Moran, Thew, Rose, Ogden. Subs: Flannery for Rose (80 mins), Lynch for Ogden (85 mins).
Finn Harps: Byrne, McGettigan, Minnock, Boyle, Dowling, O'Brien, O'Kane, Johnston, Speak, Mulligan, Gauld.
Referee: B O'Regan (Cork).
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