Donegal man McElroy on target as Sligo Rovers see off Finn Harps in friendly

Burnfoot man Gareth McElroy netted one of the goals as Sligo Rovers defeated Finn Harps in a pre-season friendly at a freezing Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Less than a minute after coming on as a half-time substitute, McElroy headed in Sligo’s second goal as the Premier Division outfit made light work of Harps.

A schoolboy product of Aileach FC who moved to Sligo in 2023 after a spell at Derry City’s U19s, McElroy was elevated to the Bit O’Red first team by boss John Russell at the end of last season.

After overcoming an injury scare, McElroy is back in the mix and he handed Russell a firm reminder with a quick-fire goal after his introduction.

Francely Lamboto also scored with his first touch in the 63rd minute steering in from a sweeping Will Fitzgerald cross before Cian Kavanagh added a fourth 90 seconds later.  

Harps, who begin their new First Division campaign on Friday night in Kerry, included two trial players in a starting XI featuring new signings Joel Bradley-Walsh and Anthony Dodd, while David Aziaya played the second half in goal for the Donegal side.

Sligo took only six minutes to break the dreadlock. After a swift breakaway, Malley fired a low effort beyond Oisin Cooney in the Harps goal.

Home captain John Mahon riffled over the top soon after when Cooney was unable to keep hold after coming to collect a set piece.

Cooney has spent time at Nottingham Forest, Newcastle United and Ipswich Town in recent months and the Clonmany man showed his worth with a fine save to deny Kavanagh at close range.

Kavanagh was denied again by Cooney after a move involving Elding and Matthew Wolfe, this time Cooney in the right place to divert away with a foot.

Jad Hakiki should have double the lead in the 29th minute and moments later Will Fitzgerald was also off target.

In the opening minute of the second half, McElroy headed past replacement Harps ‘keeper Aziaya at the back post.

Lamboto and Kavanagh turned the screw for the home side and Lamboto should’ve added a fifth 20 minutes from the end but, after surging clear on the right-hand side he blasted wide of the far post.

Harps, who finished sixth in the standings last season, begin their competitive campaign one Friday at Mounthawk Park against Kerry.

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Sligo Rovers: Sam Sargeant (Conor Walsh 70), Reece Hutchinson (Daire Patton 70), Matthew Wolfe (Ronan Manning h-t), Will Fitzgerald, Jad Hakiki (Francely Lamboto 62), Cian Kavanagh (Conor Reynolds 73), Oskar Van Hattum (Guilherme Rego Priosti 75), Oliver Denham (Gareth McElroy h-t), John Mahon (Conor Cannon h-t), Connor Malley (Kyle McDonagh 70), Owen Elding (Harvey Lintott 62).

Finn Harps: Oisin Cooney (David Aziaya h-t), Conor Tourish (Adam McDaid 75), Joel Bradley-Walsh (Kevin Jordan 56), Anthony Dodd (Max Johnston 70), Max Hutchison, Tony McNamee (Josh Cullen 75), Gavin Gilmore (Trialist 3 h-t), Patrick Ferry, Mikey Place, Trialist 1, Trialist 2 (Gavin McAteer 70).

Referee: Damien MacGraith.