Second-half substitutes combined to secure a hard-earned point for Finn Harps against Wexford FC on Friday night. The match concluded in a 1-1 draw.
Finn Harps 1 – 1 Wexford FC
By Stuart Connolly at Finn Park
Calum Flynn’s early goal put Wexford ahead, a lead they maintained until halftime.
Gavin Gilmore, fresh off the bench, provided the assist for Gradi Lomboto’s equalizer midway through the second half, making an immediate impact.
The draw leaves the table largely unchanged, with Harps remaining one point above tenth place and eight points adrift of the playoff positions.
Wexford enjoyed a dream start to the game, but the number 13 proved less fortunate for Finn Harps.
James Crawford’s low cross from the left found Calum Flynn, who, despite having his back to goal, created space on the edge of the box and unleashed a powerful shot into the top left corner.
Finn Harps were without key players Conor Tourish and Tony McNamee, resulting in a youthful starting lineup with an average age of just 20, featuring seven academy graduates.
Following the early goal, clear-cut chances were scarce for both sides. Aaron McLaughlin tested Alex Moody with a low shot, while Flynn’s attempt sailed over the bar at the other end.
Just before the half-hour mark, Finn Harps thought they had equalized, but the celebrations were cut short. McLaughlin played in Shaunie Bradley, but he was deemed offside as his shot found the net.
Josh Cullen had the final attempt of the first half, forcing Moody into a save with a low drive.
Harps began the second half strongly, but McLaughlin’s heavy touch, having rounded Moody, squandered a good opportunity.
McLaughlin then created a chance for Gavin Hodgins, whose shot was comfortably saved by the goalkeeper.
Wexford offered little in attack, with Aaron Dobbs and Calum Flynn both sending ambitious efforts wide of Oisin Cooney’s goal.
With 20 minutes remaining, a strategic substitution turned the tide. Gavin Gilmore replaced McLaughlin and made an instant impact, driving down the right wing from the halfway line, cutting inside, and delivering a perfect cross for fellow substitute Gradi Lomboto to head home the equalizer.
Moments later, Harps almost completed the comeback, but Bradley-Walsh’s cross was headed just over the bar by Bradley.
The hosts dominated the closing stages, but they couldn’t capitalize, with a late free-kick being gathered by Moody.
Finn Harps: Oisin Cooney; Michael Place(Gradi Lomboto 63), Max Hutchison, Joel Bradley-Walsh, Joel Thompson; Josh Cullen, Kevin Jordan, Gavin Hodgins(Adam McDaid 86), Gavin McAteer, Aaron McLaughlin(Gavin Gilmore 69); Shaunie Bradley
Wexford FC: Alex Moody; James Crawford, Josh Lyons, Dean Larkin, Ryan Butler; Zayd Abada, Darragh Levingston(Ryan Kelly ht), Kaylem Harnett(Kyal Byrne ht), Calum Flynn, Mikie Rowe; Aaron Dobbs.
Referee: Lucas Keating
Inspired subs grab a share of the spoils for Harps was last modified: June 13th, 2025 by
