Super sub Aaron McLaughlin strikes late as Finn Harps make a point in Dundalk

Aaron McLaughlin came off the bench to rescue a precious point for Finn Harps against First Division leaders Dundalk.

In the final minute of the 90, just as the fourth official was raising the board to show five added minutes, McLaughlin sparked bedlam among the away followers on Easter Monday.

With Dundalk leading through Vinnie Leonard’s 81st minute header, left-back Sean Keogh attempted a back pass to goalkeeper Peter Cherrie.

Keogh’s pass lacked the necessary punch and McLaughlin seized his chance, prodding delicately - but decisively - to the net. On came the away fans in jubilation as Harps’ unbeaten run stretched to six games.

Leonard’s powerful header nine minutes from time had finally broke the Harps resistance after Kevin McHugh’s defiant side put up a robust stand against the Lilywhites. 

Dundalk stole in front when 17-year-old Leonard rose to head home from a Keogh corner for his second goal of the season.

All evening, Dundalk forced a series of corners, but couldn’t find a way past Aziaya until Leonard struck and the goal came just after Aziaya got down to his right to tip around the post from Eoin Kenny’s daisy-cutter. 

In front of 1,761 on Easter Monday, Harps certainly weren’t overawed. For long spells, they were content to let Dundalk play, but in the first five minutes of the second half, an intent Harps threatened several times - but found veteran goalkeeper Cherrie in inspired form.

Two minutes after the interval, Cherrie saved well from Gavin McAteer’s shot from outside the box and the 41-year-old stopper spread himself well to deny Gavin McGuinness, who was following in and looked set to score.

Just 90 seconds later, Cherrie had to reach up to his top drawer to claw away from another McAteer effort that was arrowed to the top corner. 

Gavin Gilmore also forced Cherrie into action as the busy home net-minder got down to save his low attempt soon after.

Manager McHugh posted three changes to the Harps roster following a high octane 4-2 win over Kerry in Ballybofey three evenings previously.

Conor Tourish and Kevin Jordan returned to the starting XI having been suspended while Gilmore was also elevated to start with Joel Bradley-Walsh, Gavin Hodgins dropping to the bench and a hamstring injury rendering David Cawley unavailable.

Harps had a glorious chance to hit the front in the third minute. McGuinness’s endeavour created the opening, but his cutback was rifled paver by the well placed McAteer.

But for that moment, Dundalk had the better of the opening exchanges, Dean Ebbe having a brief sight of goal in the first minute while captain Daryl Horgan’s thumped effort was blocked.

Harps lived dangerously on set pieces and hearts were in mouths when Keogh’s 16th minute might have crept in, but the visitors survived.

Horgan, who has been capped 17 times by the Republic of Ireland, was denied by a Mikey Place block when Andy Paraschiv’s lobbed cross was flicked back by Aziaya.

Leo Gaxha tried his luck on the half-hour when Horgan delivered invitingly but Aziaya held on at the second attempt.

Unbeaten Dundalk entered the game five points clear at the top of the table and boss Ciaran Kilduff also made three switches to the team that began Friday’s 1-1 draw at Treaty United. Keogh - who scored the winner against Ballybofey in February - Keith Ward and Paraschiv were all included from the off. 

Keogh was almost a thorn in Harps’ side again but when a superb first touch teed himself up, the full-back fired wide of the far post. 

Aziaya saved superbly from a Ward effort just before half-time. Ward’s shot from 20 yards was bound for the net, but Aziaya magnificently turned over the crossbar. 

Eleven minutes into the second half, Paraschiv wriggled his way into the area and there were penalty calls when he went to ground. Referee Chris Colfer, however, shook his head.

Harps frustrated Dundalk until that moment when Leonard climbed to head in the opener.

As the clock ticked on, sub Aaron McLaughlin had too much elevation from the edge of the area. However, the teenager would soon have his big moment.

Read next: Hamstring injury to sideline Finn Harps midfielder David Cawley

Dundalk: Peter Cherrie; Aodh Dervin, Vinnie Leonard, Mayowa Animashahun, Sean Keogh; Andy Paraschiv (Conor O’Keeffe 57), Harry Groome; Leo Gaxha, Keith Ward (Eoin Kenny 57), Daryl Horgan (Shane Tracey 87); Dean Ebbe (Gbemi Arubi 70). 

Finn Harps: David Aziaya; Mikey Place, Max Hutchison, Conor Tourish, Kevin Jordan (Gavin Hodgins half-time); Josh Cullen, Tony McNamee; Gavin Gilmore (Aaron McLaughlin 76), Gavin McAteer (Anto Dodd 81), Gradi Lomboto (Patrick Ferry 64); Dara McGuinness.

Referee: Gavin Colfer.