Finn Harps 1-0 Wexford Youths

In-form Finn Harps kept up their push for promotion by stretching their unbeaten league run to 12 games last night as they overcame lowly Wexford Youths at Finn Park - but the Donegal club had two players sent off.

Harps led 1-0 when defender Eloka Asokuh was sent-off for a second bookable offence on 38 minutes and later striker Conor Gethins was given a straight red for lashing out at Stuart Lawlor in the 82nd minute.

And in the end Harps had to battle hard to hold on for all three points.

Harps went ahead after just six minutes with local man Shaun McGowan rifling home his first league goal for the club from close range after Wexford failed to clear.

Briefly Harps looked as if they would take full control of the game, and Conor Gethins went close with a powerful header.

However, Harps continued to pose the biggest threat in attack after the break and defender Shaun Holmes pumped in a number of probing crosses that put the visitors under real pressure.

Declan Boyle headed just over on 67 minutes while Gethins went close with a 40-yard-effort that goalkeeper Pa Doyle just managed to divert around the upright.

Gethins’ dismissal ensured an exciting finish but Wexford could not salvage an equaliser.

Finn Harps: Gallagher, Asokuh, Minnock, Boyle, Holmes, Shields, O’Loughlin, McGowan, Brown, Gethins, Divin. Subs: Roddy for Brown (75 mins).

Wexford Youths: P. Doyle, Dunning, Rossiter, Wadding, Russell, Sinnott, O’Loughlin, Malone, Dempsey, G. Doyle, Furlong. Subs: Miller for Sinnott (65 mins), Flynn O'Connor for Malone (86 mins).

Referee: Mr. N. Doyle (Dublin).