Finn Harps 0-2 Sligo Rovers
Friday, 17 October 2008 23:10Sligo Rovers boosted their hopes of qualifying for next season's Setanta Cup as they won the north-west derby clash at Finn Park.
And in doing so they inflicted what could prove to be a hugely costly defeat on their great rivals who are now hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. Indeed, Harps could drop back into the bottom three if Cobh beat UCD this Saurday night.
With two out of their last three games away from home, the Donegal club is now in a real battle to preserve its Premier Division status.
Rovers struck on 18 minutes when Sean Doherty fed the ball into Romauld Boco - back from international duty with Benin - and he fired between goalkeeper James Gallagher and the post with questions being asked about the Harps defence.
The visitors deservedly doubled their tally on 36 minutes - although in a somewhat bizarre fashion.
Sean Doherty was out wide on the right when he whipped in a speculative effort which Gallagher stopped behind the goal-line. After a brief pause, referee Hugo Whoriskey awarded the goal.
Indeed, Harps were fortunate not to have conceded a third before the break when Moro Almedia had a shot blocked by Parkhouse with the home defence looking increasingly suspect.
Harps brought on Gethins on 56 minutes in a bid to salvage something but, in truth, they rarely looked like getting back into the game.
Finn Harps: Gallagher, Labonte, Holmes, Boyle, Malcolm, McCafferty, Funston, McGowan, Beckett, Parkhouse, Breen. Subs: Gethins for Beckett (56 mins), Friel for Boyle (73 mins).
Sligo Rovers: Brush, Coleman, Ventre, Peers, Almedia, O'Grady, Cash, Ryan, Boko, Cretaro, Doherty. Subs: McDaid for O'Grady (69 mins), McTiernan for Cash (80 mins), Feeney for Cretaro (90 mins).
Referee: Mr. H. Whoriskey (Dublin).
