Barbadian Eric Levine clinically punished Finn Harps' only defensive error of a thrilling FAI Cup second round tie at Terryland Park on Saturday night to earn First Division Galway United a replay at Finn Park on Wednesday.
The Premier Division side appeared to have weathered Galway's early pressure, which included the concession of a 13th minute goal, to get well on top and lead 2-1 going into the second-half only for an opportunist goal from Levine to draw Galway level and offer the large crowd of over 2,500 added excitement in a classic cup-tie.
"We started well and went out and pressurised them because we knew they were a good side," said Galway manager Don O'Riordan. We went about the job well and got the early goal which gave us a lift.
"Consequently, we sat a bit deep and gave away a silly free-kick which resulted in their first goal. Then, when their second goal went in, our heads dropped a little and I was glad to get them in at half-time. I had to earn my wages at the break as the lads were a bit despondent. But fair play to them. I told them that there'll be no regrets at the end of it, so let's give it a right go."
Galway took the game to Harps from the start and got their reward with the lead goal on 13 minutes. Levine's corner was headed goalward by compatriot, Luther Watson, and full-back Fran Carter got a flick with his head to deflect the ball beyond Jody Byrne and into the net.
But Harps struck back admirably and finally equalised in the 34th minute.
Galway gave away a bad free-kick on the right-hand touchline, near the corner flag, and man-of-the-match, Davy Dowling, dived low to head home Jonathan Minnock's cross.
Harps were well on top now and really giving Galway the proverbial roasting, particularly down the left flank in the guise of John-Gerard McGettigan. It was no surprise when they went in front four minutes before half-time.
McGettigan got free down the left to pick out Donal O'Brien who rose, virtually unchallenged, to head home.
O'Riordan's pep talk at the interval brought its reward, as Galway equalised within seven minutes.
Carter's ball over the top flustered the Harps central defence and the retreating Declan Boyle was harried into an error by Levine who nipped in front of him to toe-poke the ball past Byrne and into the corner of the net.
Harps dominated much of the remainder of the match and Mark Cobey in the Galway goal made a terrific save from James Mulligan late on, while Boyle almost redeemed his earlier mistake when striking the crossbar with an overhead kick from Minnock's corner nine minutes from time.
GALWAY UNITED: Cobey; O'Connor, Costello, Clery, Carter; Gorman, Watson, Neary, Brennan; Levine, Coleman. Subs: Lucas for Gorman (67 mins.), Forde for O'Connor (84 mins.).
FINN HARPS: Byrne; Vaudequin, Boyle, Bradley, Minnock; McGranaghan, O'Brien, Gauld, McGettigan; Dowling, Mulligan.
Referee: G Perry (Dublin)
