Finn Harps 3 V 2 Celtic X1

CAPACITY attendance of over 5,000 witnessed Finn Harps defeat Glasgow Celtic in a highly-entertaining friendly fixture at Finn Park on Monday evening last with first-half goals from Declan Boyle, Declan Divine and Shaun McGowan securing victory for the home side.

Celtic who were managed by Willie McStay, included a number of high-profile players including Bobo Balde, Thomas Gravesen, Stephen Pressley and Evander Sno.

Celtic's first chance fell to Evander Sno, but he blasted the ball over the target in the 11th minute.

Harps took the lead on 27 minutes when Celtic goalkeeper Scott Fox failed to hold a Shaun Holmes free and Declan Boyle - who once played for Celtic's reserves - pounced to score.

Celtic were then stunned again within 60 seconds when Donegal born Gethins, who spend several seasons in the lower leagues of Scottish football, whipped in a right wing cross for Declan Divine to connect with as he slid into the six yard box.

And Shaun McGowan then added a third to make it 3-0 after 42 minutes as he fired through a crowded penalty area after Gethin's initial shot was blocked.

And they got the goal on 70minutes when Paul McGowan skipped away from Johnny Havlin and James Doherty before sending a sweet left-footed strike in over Cullen and the youngster was wheeling away two minutes later having added a second.

This time, he connected with a cross from Gravesen to head home from eight yards leaving a palpitating finish and the Hoops had efforts from McGowan and Virgo saved by Cullen while James Doherty and Jonathan Minnock stepped up to the mark with two telling tackles in the closing stages.

Thomas Gravesen and McGowan had late efforts that missed the target, leaving Harps toasting a famous victory.

Comment from Patrick Sweeney.

"5500 fans from Donegal attended this match with about 90% Celtic fans, this was Finn Harps largest crowd since Celtic played there in 1982. Willie McStay & Danny McGrain played in this match and this time they were Manager and Assistant Manager. This was a fantastic night, with Celtic fielding 9 first team playeres with the game resulting in Finn Harps favour
3 - 2. A cheque was presented to Alan Doherty on the night, towards his medical fund. A great time was had by all."

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Photographer: Paul Russell