Cobh Ramblers 2-4 Finn Harps

Finn Harps joined Bray Wanderers in second place in the First Division table with victory in a dramatic encounter against Cobh Ramblers courtesy of a hat-trick from striker Kevin McHugh at St Colman’s Park on Saturday evening.

The game was brought forward to a 5pm kick-off to allow for Ireland’s international friendly in Holland, but the home defence was caught napping after just five minutes.

Referee Tony Kelly awarded Harps a penalty and McHugh stepped up to convert from 12 yards, before Declan Boyle made it 2-0 four minutes later as Cobh struggled to get to grips with the challenge.

That was it for the remainder of the half, but the Donegal side stretched their lead to two with McHugh’s second three minutes into the second half.

Defender John Andrews pulled one back for Cobh in the 56th minute, and when Steven Yelverton – the scorer of a hat-trick last week – netted from the spot in the 70th minute and Harps winger Sean Friars was shown the red card by referee Kelly three minutes later, there was real hope of a comeback from the home side.

However, much as they tried, they were unable to find the leveler, and instead McHugh broke clear to complete his hat-trick two minutes from time.