Derry CIty midfielder Ciaron Harkin has FAI Cup final goals in mind

Only the eagle-eyed in the ground would’ve seen Jake Hyland get the vital touch as Colm Horgan’s dangerous cross was fired into the roof of the Drogheda net on 90 minutes.

Credit went to City’s substitute, Harkin who changed the game when he was introduced in the 57th minute as he was closest to the action at the near post. However, the Creggan man, who hasn’t found the net since his hat-trick against Finn Harps in May 2019, was far too honest in his post-match interview.

“Colm put it in but unfortunately it hit the defender and went in but I was in the right place at the right time and put the defender under pressure. A goal is a goal but unfortunately it’s not mine,” admitted Harkin.

Harkin has played in two Irish Cup Finals, winning one with Coleraine but he believes an appearance in the FAI Cup showpiece with his beloved Derry City would top both. He was the only Derry native to play on Saturday and he knows full well what the competition means to the club.

“I’ve been in the Irish Cup final twice. I’ve won it once and lost it once but when I was younger, going to the FAI Cup Finals was different. It’s in the Aviva and there are a lot more people watching.

“Playing for my hometown, it would mean a lot more playing for Derry if we can get to the cup final, so hopefully we can do it.”

Harkin has been pushing for a start during the past several weeks and is hoping to be in contention for the derby against Harps in two weeks’ time.

“Obviously no one is happy to be on the bench and I’m always thinking about when I get my next start. It’s not my decision and I’ve just got to keep working hard.

“When I come off the bench it’s important to make an impact or else it will be the same the week after - you’ll not be in the team. So I always try my best when I do come on to make an impact and hopefully I did.”