Foyle Harps pay perfect tribute to mentor Gerry ‘Doc’ by claiming McAlinden Cup

Foyle Harps paid a fitting tribute to their mentor Gerry ‘Doc’ by winning the McAlinden Cup in the first game played since his sad passing just two weeks ago.

The Harps legend was not far from anyone’s thoughts as the teams lined up for this game, his absence on the sidelines noticeable on an emotional occasion for members of the Doherty family, and those players who got to know him so well over the years.

But they paid a perfect tribute to Gerry by claiming the McAlinden Cup yet again, the fifth year in succession that Harps have won the trophy, and there is no doubt that Gerry would have been looking down with pride on his club, who are never, ever far away from trophies in local football.

As ever, Harps will not be content with just the one trophy, and they will be hoping to win another treble with the Terry Kelly Cup and the Jimbo Crossan Cup still in come over the next few weeks.

Standing in their way in the Terry Kelly Cup will be Brass Neck in a repeat of last week’s McAlinden final, and that will certainly be fascinating given the nature of what was really the closest McAIinden final for some time.

The big game experience of Harps, alongside the clinical finishing of McCallion was ultimately the difference in this game, but Brass Neck will know that with a bit more belief and care in the final third, they could have made more of a game of this than they ultimately did. A brilliant goalkeeper, a solid defence and a sturdy midfield built up to an attack that had genuine threat, but on the day, they were filed to live up to their potential, so much so, that Harps goalkeeper Connor Brown didn’t have a serious save to make throughout the 90 minutes.

In contrast, Harps had several big chances, and McCallion would have left Wilton Park wondering how he didn’t claim his hat trick, but Taylor Clarke was the reason for that, the young goalkeeper making a number of superb saves to keep his team in the game.

Both teams looked well-matched in the opening stages, but rather typically of Harps, they made their mark as soon as they were able, opening the scoring after just 15 minutes. Ryan Doherty may have been all over the place with his shooting, but his passing was perfection as he picked the right moment to send McCallion through on goal, and the experienced striker found the target to make it 1-0.

IN PICTURES: Foyle Harps clinch Derry & District McAlinden Cup

The lead was almost doubled just four minutes later with a straightforward punt downfield from goalkeeper Brown, whose kick cleared everyone except Dean Brown, who was alert to the chance, but so too was goalkeeper Clarke who came out to save well.

Brass Neck were not much f a threat at all in the first half hour, but the Harps defence stood still and watched when Jake Morrow’s free-kick was charged down and Ryan morrow’s cross found defender Tony Duffy, who headed over the bar while the players in green claimed offside.

Dean Brown almost ended the half in spectacular fashion for Harps as he raced past Cathal Connolly to go through on goal from the right wing, his tremendous pace creating the chance out of nothing, but again Clarke came out on top.

Clarke has to be alert to deny McCallion in the early stages of the second half, but there was nothing he could do as Harps doubled their lead on 57 minutes. Referee Noel Crossan looked to assistant Eamon Harrigan when Shane McGinley challenged Jamie Dunne, with the decision a penalty. McCallion placed the ball on the spot before firing expertly past Taylor to claim his second of the game.

It looked too high of a mountain to climb for Brass Neck, but they should have pulled a goal back immediately when Jake Morrow took the ball into the box and pulled it back perfectly for TJ Begley, but the striker shot wide with the goal there for taking. It was a big moment and a bad miss, which could have changed the course of the game.

The remainder of the game was played out comfortably for Harps, who could have added to their tally, but Clarke would not be beaten again, as he denied Brown for a third time before denying McCallion his hat trick.

In between those chances, there should have been a penalty for Harps when Brown was taken down by Clarke, but the officials waved play on, with the disbelief over the decision continuing after the final whistle.

But despite the protestations, there was no denying that Harps deserved the victory, with this latest piece of silverware just another to add to the huge collection, although this one perhaps that bit more special given the circumstances.

MAN OF THE MATCH - Calvin McCallion is always the man for the big occasion, and he proved his worth here, not just with his two goals, but simply because he was the most dangerous player on the pitch. He would have had a hat trick but for the performance of goalkeeper Taylor Clarke. 

MOMENT OF THE MATCH - Brass Neck were talented but toothless as Harps gained complete control, but they should have pulled themselves back into the game when Jake Morrow pulled the ball back for TJ Begley. It should have been a goal and we may have had a different final as a result. 

IT WOULDN'T BE LOCAL FOOTBALL WITHOUT . . . Ryan Doherty had two shots in the game and one landed in Brigade Cricket Pitch and the other in the car park. An integral player for Harps nevertheless, Ryan didn’t have his best day in front of goal. 

Foyle Harps: Connor Brown, Orrin McLaughlin, Dean Brown, Aaron McLaughlin, Darragh McCloskey, Benny McFadden, Jamie Dunne, Gareth Brown, Ruarigh O’Donnell, Calvin McCallion, Colm Paul Robb, Gareth McFadden, Ryan Doherty, Patrick McEleney, Marcus O’Kane.

Brass Neck: Taylor Clarke, Ryan Morrow, Ethan Doherty, Cathal Connolly, Tony Duffy, Odhran McKane, Jake Morrow, Shea McGinley, TJ Begley, Davy O’Brien, Oran Carlin, Lee McClafferty, Shane Deery, Raymond Rogan, Shane Gillespie, Shea Frazer, Brendan McDonald.

Officials: Noel Crossan, Eamon Harrigan, Eugene Burns.