EARLY   GOAL  STRIKES   CUSHIONS  EASTERN  HARPS  TO  VICTORY

         EASTERN  HARPS   2-07       COOLANEY/MULLINABREENA    0-11

On  a very chilly Saturday evening last in Keash more suited to the purchase of hot whiskies than ice lollies, Eastern Harps struck for two goals in the first eight minutes against the wind – strikes that certainly cushioned them for the remainder of this third round Fureys Coaches Division One league tie against a largely dominant, spirited and well drilled Coolaney/Mullinabreena.

With the visitors having opened the scoring after three minutes Martin Doherty netted the first goal for Harps on five minutes after a attack that seemed to have broken down but was quickly recycled  while the outstanding Ross Donovan flicked the second goal to the net from a high right wing centre. Five points down with eight minutes gone Coolaney/Mullinabreena set about reducing the deficit and totally dominant at midfield, this they did with some style, scoring a series of spectacular long range points to lead by two points at the half time whistle – 0-09 to 2-01.

Eastern Harps did manage two early second half points to level matters but by now facing the wind the visitors had changed their style. Opting for all out defence they pulled all their players into their own half only attempting  an occasional attack after turning over the Harps men. Harps found this going difficult – an impregnable wall right across their opponents half back line – forcing either turnovers in the tackle, blocked scoring attempts or wides under pressure on the shooter. A couple of pointed frees midway through the half from Niall McGill did just about keep their noses in front but in a breakaway attack Coolaney/Mullinabreena levelled the match with eight minutes left. Harps did hit the front once more with five minutes left but in the final minute Coolaney/Mullinabreena did mount a serious attack . A goal looked certain but Harps goalkeeper Mikey Grady spread himself to make a brilliant save turning the ball around the post for a fruitless 45. Wing forward Michael Clarke had the final say pointing for Harps in added time.

Mikey Grady, Ross Donovan, Michael Lennon and Martin Doherty did trojan work for Harps while Coolaney/Mullinabreena who surely deserved a draw at least from this lively tie were best served by Christoir Davey, Eoin McDonagh, Barry Kivlehan, Declan McCormack  and Ray Connolly well supported by a couple of youngsters.

Referee  ....   John Gilmartin.