Ruairi Keating scores a superb header to put Harps level. Pic by Joe Boland.
Keating salutes the fans after scoring. Pic by Joe Boland.
FINN HARPS have earned a battling point against UCD and in the process have created history.
Harps have now gone an incredible TWELVE games unbeaten and that is a new club record.
Harps needed a late goal from Kevin McHugh after Robbie Benson's strike looked like it had given them all three points.
In a closely fought first-half, chances were at a premium but Ruairi Keating was always a menace in the Harps attack and looked the most likely to make the breakthrough.
UCD were dangerous with Robbie Benson showing all the quality of an experienced Premier Division player.
Both sides failed to make the breakthrough and headed for the interval locked in a stalemate.
In the second-half the game opened up and both sides looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
It was UCD though that drew first blood in the 58th minute and what a goal it was.
Jack Watson scored a stunning 30-yard volley that gave Ciaran Gallagher no chance in the Harps nets.
The lead didn't last long though and it was that man again on loan Sligo Rovers man Ruairi Keating who equalized for Ollie Horgan's outfit.
A long searching ball from Damien McNulty found Keating who expertly headed over Niall Corbet to level the game.
Both sides pressed on in search of a winner but it was UCD who struck first.
It was the lively Benson who scored it after a good move and that looked like it had given UCD a huge three points.
However, Harps showed the amazing character and spirit that has summed up their season so far by hitting back after just SIXTY seconds.
A corner by Damien McNulty was met by that man Kevin McHugh to send Finn Park into delirium.
It secured a vital point and also ensured Harps make history.
Wexford Youths were leading 2-0 at half-time against Athlone but a generator going on fire resulted in the game being abandoned.
That means Harps stretch their lead at the top to SEVEN but Wexford will now have a game-in-hand.