From Behind The Nets Finn Harps FC Ballybofey Co Donegal

Monaghan United 0 - 1 Finn Harps

A Shane Bradley goal a minute from time in Century Homes Park ensured a winning start to the league campaign for new Harps manager Felix Healy.

Although Harps dominated the game from start to finish, Monaghan defended well and Harps failed to create too many chances of note until the last quarter.

Gary Crossan and Chrissy Breen's performances in The Brandywell in the League Cup a few days earlier was enough to ensure a first league start of the season for both of them. Both youngsters put in solid displays with Breen in particular impressive up front with Kevin McHugh.

It was Breen who had probably Harps best chance in the first half but his shot didn't really trouble Vladimir Munteanu in the Monaghan goal.

Harps had all the possession but had very little in way of chances and the same continued in the second half until Kevin McHugh went close with a free-kick and Shane Bradley was moved up front.

McHugh then flashed an effort across goal and Bradley could have opened the scoring nine minutes before his eventual winner, but his header came crashing off the bar, while sub Neil Lloyd was unable to convert the rebound.

Bradley's winner though was worthy of the wait. A through ball from midfield caught the Monaghan back four static and the Harps centre-half ran through to chip the keeper from thirty yards. It may have been tough luck on Monaghan who worked hard throughout the ninety minutes but there was no doubting the quality of the finish from the Twin Towns man.

So Felix Healy's league first game in charge ends in a win for the Harps and a badly needed three points as they look forward to the visit of Athlone next Friday night.

FINN HARPS: Gallagher, Ferry, Minnock, Bradley, Boyle, Mohan, Crossan (Lloyd, 61), McGrenaghan, Bonner (Friars, 61), Breen (McGowan, 76), McHugh.

Referee: S. Meehan (Dublin).