Bohs punish Harps mistakes to march on

Bohemians, last season's beaten finalists, moved into the second round of the FAI Cup after getting the better of Premier Division strugglers Finn Harps 3-1 in Ballybofey.

First-half goals from Declan McDaid and Josh Kerr laid the foundations and Junior Ogede-Uzokwe made the route to round two safely after Eric McWoods pulled a goal back in first-half stoppage time.

Harps have been busy in the transfer market of late, but this an evening to forget for their new goalkeeper, James McKeown as they bowed out the cup.

In the 19th minute, the Gypsies broke the deadlock. McDaid swept home from 12 yards after a ball in from James Clarke - making his Bohs debut after his arrival from Drogheda United - on the right-hand side.

Two minutes before half-time, Bohs doubled the lead when McKeown dropped Ryan Burke's cross and Josh Kerr slammed to the net.

Harps, though, would gain a lifeline when McWoods raced onto Ethan Boyle's ball forward. There were hints of offside as the American scampered forward but McWoods kept cool to tuck home.

It felt as if it was game on, but disaster struck in the third minute of the second half. The back-peddling McKeown appeared caught in two minds and he palmed McDaid’s dangerous ball into the path of a grateful Junior, who easily nodded into the net.

McKeown and Boylan were thrown straight into the Harps 11 by Ollie Horgan. McKeown, who amassed over 500 appearances for Grimsby Town, took the place of Mark Anthony McGinley, while Boylan, on loan from Galway United until the end of the season, also came in.

The fit-again McWoods was also included with Liam McGing and Regan Donelon making way.

Finn Park’s revolving door saw plenty of activity this week, the club having confirmed the departures of Yoyo Mahdy, Jesse