From Behind The Nets Finn Harps FC Ballybofey Co Donegal

Finn Harps 1 - 0 UCD

Finn Harps bounced back in style notching up an important home win after last weeks humiliating defeat to Kilkenny City.

In their first home game of the campaign, it had already been billed as a 'must win' game for the Finnsiders as defeat would have left them trailing the students by nine points after only two weeks.

It was a disappointing affair for the supporters who came to see the two teams been touted as title favourites but Harps were more that deserving of their win. The goal that divided the two sides was scored by Kevin McHugh who had missed the opening match the previous week. McHugh's goals will be vital to Harps' bid to return to top flight and they mightn't come more important as this.

It was McHugh at his best as he received the ball just outside the penalty area. He held off the challenge of two defenders as he worked his way into the area before unleashing a fantastic shot past UCD keeper Neil Gallagher and into the bottom corner.

Harps nearly conceded a goal just a minute afterwards when James Gallagher in the Harps goal completely mis-kicked a clearance and as Robbie Martin prepared to knock the ball to the empty net he was brilliantly disposed by Declan Boyle as he saved his keepers blushes.

Kevin McHugh

UCD had only two other efforts of note for the rest of the game, when their top scorer Willie Doyle had a shot deflected wide and he also brought a fine reaction save from Gallagher with a close range header just before half-time.

Harps totally controlled the second half that was played out in a heavy downpour as McHugh threatened to double his tally with one cleared off the line and another bringing a great save from the UCD netminder.

In the end, Harps ran out comfortable winners in a game that they could ill-afford to lose

FINN HARPS: James Gallagher, Eloka Asokuh, Jonathan Minnock, Declan Boyle, Martin Ferry,Paddy McGrenaghan, Tom Mohan, Neil Lloyd, Sean Friars, Kevin McHugh, Niall Bonner (Connolly 95), . Subs: Sean McGowan, Ross Connolly, Gary Crossan, Nicky McCarville, Gavin Cullen.

Referee: Tony Kelly (Westmeath)