McColgan strikes late as Cockhill bag USL win over Finn Harps

Cockhill, the nine-in-a-row champions, moved joint top thanks to a dramatic home win on Sunday.

Republic of Ireland amateur international Lee McColgan slotted home a last-gasp winner from a penalty as Cockhill Celtic moved joint-top of the Ulster Senior League.

Cockhill Celtic 2 Finn Harps Under-21s 1

A Sean O’Kane penalty drew Harps level just as the game entered stoppage time, but there was late drama and McColgan’s winner brings Cockhill back on the summit alongside Bonagee United, who have a game in hand.

Cockhill had the first chance when Adam McLaughlin's free kick was headed over on the stretch by McColgan.

On 17 minutes, Harps went close when a Damien Duffy free kick crashed off the bar with Sean O'Kane's follow-up header drifting over.

A spell of Cockhill pressure paid off when they broke the deadlock in the 34th minute. A clearance to the edge of the D found James Bradley, whose cushioned volley released Corey McBride, who drilled his finish across the keeper.

Finn Harps Under-21s

Harps almost responded immediately but Nathan Plumb's effort was tipped over by Harry Doherty.

The second half started as a midfield battle, the first chance falling to the home side on 57 minutes. Stephen Duffy controlled and played in McBride in the right channel but his finish was tame.

Cockhill almost doubled their lead when an in-swinging cross from the left was headed against his own bar by a retreating defender before Peter Doherty headed the rebound off the bar again.

Harps equalised in the final minute when they were awarded a penalty after Shaunie Bradley went down in the box. O'Kane stepped up to slot home.

The drama wasn't over as Cockhill searched for the winner again. A period of pressure led to a clearance finding Fionn McClure at the edge of the box.

His cross-field pass found McBride who controlled well and was fouled resulting in a Cockhill penalty. McColgan stepped up to rifle home but a Cockhill player was adjudged to have encroached and the kick was retaken. McColgan kept his cool and fired home again to secure the win.