Town's pre-season programme got off to a poor start with a disappointing 2-1 defeat in the Republic of Ireland against Finn Harps. Connor Wickham scored the Blues' goal from the spot.

The home side went in front in the 22nd minute when Sean Houston nipped in between the hesitant Damien Delaney and Tommy Smith to nod past Richard Wright from six yards.

Town, playing 4-5-1 with Jon Stead the lone striker and Jon Walters and Danny Haynes wide, had enjoyed much of the play but didn't manage a serious chance until just before the break when Jon Stead shot straight at the keeper.

Manager Roy Keane, who made his league debut for Cobh Ramblers at Finn Park 20 years ago, made his promised mass of changes at half-time.

The Blues should have been awarded a penalty in the opening minute of the second period when Liam Trotter was somewhat obviously felled inside the area. However, referee Terence Moyne, who seemed reluctant to award decisions Town's way throughout, thought otherwise.

On 55 Trotter was again brought down inside the area by the keeper and this time the official pointed to the spot, although showed no cards. Connor Wickham stepped up to take the kick and struck it down the middle.

The Blues were continuing to enjoy most of the play but without creating much of the threat.

Town's best chance of the half ultimately led to Finn Harps' winning goal. Owen Garvan's 25-yard shot was tipped on to the bar by the keeper and from the resultant corner Harps broke, Marc Brolly taking the ball from well inside his own half into the Town area before hitting a shot off Veliche Shumulikoski and into the net.

The Blues showed little after the second goal from the home side in what overall was a disappointing lacklustre display against opposition who were clearly more up for it.

Town, continuing to play 4-5-1 throughout, had most of the possession but never looked enough of a threat in the Finn Harps penalty area.

Skipper Gareth McAuley was perhaps Town's best player in the first half, winning everything in the air, while Connor Wickham's determination and endeavour saw the young striker probably impress as much as anyone after the break.

Town now travel to Portugal on Thursday afternoon for a four-day training camp.

Town: R Wright (Supple), D Wright (Bruce), Delaney, McAuley (Balkestein), Smith, Trotter, Norris, Garvan, Stead (Wickham), Walters (Quinn), Haynes (Shumulikoski).

Photo: Action Images

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