Slaney Rovers 2

Hanover Harps 2

In extremely difficult underfoot conditions a youthful Harps side claimed a point in Rathvilly on Sunday as Rovers were left to rue a series of missed chances.

Slaney began well and Daniel O’Brien cracked an effort off the post on five minutes, the first of four times that the goal frame would be hit by the hosts. Having rode their luck Hanover hit the front midway through the half, Phil Neenan's free kick was flicked on by Jason Murphy and Cathal Coughlan volley the visitors ahead on 20 minutes. Slaney pushed for an equaliser as half time approached but they were denied again by the post, this time Dominic Byrne’s effort going wide via the goal frame.

The second half was only five minutes in when Rovers were level. Stephen Farrell's shot struck a defender’s arm and Seanie Furlong despatched the resulting penalty past Matthew McCutcheon in the Harps goal. Hanover regained their lead on the hour, Eoghan Byrne won a free on the left and Neenan's perfectly flighted ball was headed home by Johnny Waters. Back came Rovers again and they were level on 68 minutes, Aaron Broughall heading home from Eoin Curran's corner. Rovers had two glorious chances to win it, Dominic Byrne denied by the post again before McCutcheon brilliantly saved with his feet to keep Harps in the game. Hanover's best chance of a late winner fell to Arnus Umbartus, his effort beating the keeper but was brilliantly cleared off the line by Kyle Lawlor as the teams had to settle for a share of the points.

Best for Rovers included Lubomir Lesko and Michael Foley while Hanover will be very happy with the contributions of their five youths team players, Matthew McCutcheon, Adam McCarron, Eoghan Byrne, Shane Murphy and Arnus Umbartus.