Kildare County Vs. Finn Harps: Station Road, Newbridge 07.03.2009
The harsh weather conditions which greeted fans and players alike at Station Road on Saturday night provided a rather apt metaphor for what may lay ahead for these two clubs between now and the end of the 2009 League of Ireland season, toil and struggle followed ultimately by a relatively dissappointing result of no real benefit to either side.
In recent seasons the Ballybofey club has become something of a yo-yo side in the League of Ireland, with promotions and relegations becoming common place at Finn Park. However, the cloud of financial instability hanging over the Harps has caused the winds of change to blow through the dressing room, meaning that fewer than half of last year's squad arrived at Station Road to begin their attempt to once again reach the summit of Irish football. But given the evidence on show on Saturday night this latest attempt will be nothing if not long and arduous.
The home side have not been without their troubles in recent times having lost a relegation play-off with Mervue United last November, the Throughbreds were destined to begin this season in the A Championship. However, given the financial difficulties facing so many clubs a reprieve was offered by the FAI and 'County' regained their place in Irish football's second tier.
The football on offer was far from vintage fare. Both sides struggled with the horrendous conditons which were certainly not conducive to open, attractive football. A war of attrition probably best describes the match, with both teams battling the weather as much aseach other. Harps arguably had the better of what play there was to be had, particularly after going behind to a David O'Riordan effort while Paul Hegarty's half-time team talk was still ringing in their ears. 'County' even produced a gilt edged chance to finish the game off but after beating the offside trap and the goal keeper, the finish was pushed just past the post. Harps fought back and were unlucky to find 'County' 'keeper Colin Cassidy in fine form. In fact, the more vociferous among the 'County' support spent much of the game comparing him the Superman. These calls were silenced however when David McDaid levelled for Harps late on when Kildare failed to clear a Harps corner. Even in the dying moments Harps continued to pile on the pressure but alas ran out of time and had to settled for the most hard earned of points.
Both sides produced admirable performances given the task of implementing so many fresh faces into a team, yet it remains to be seen just how high either side can reach this season given the limitations enforced upon them over the winter months.
Harps playing in green with a free kick in the second half
A corner flag's eye view of Station Road
Hey! Nicely done, very well written :)
ReplyDelete