Pat Scully’s Shamrock Rovers kept the pressure on leaders Dundalk as they chalked up a vital win over Finn Harps at Finn Park.
Rovers came to Ballybofey seeking to extend their unbeaten league run to 11 games, but once again they struggled to impress in front of goal.
In a lifeless first half, Harps failed to get a shot on target.
Rovers only attack of note came on 29 minutes when Eloka Asokuh failed to clear and David Cassidy’s shot was spilled by goalkeeper James Gallagher.
Although David Bell hit the post from a 52nd minute free for Harps, Rovers began to put the home side under pressure.
Andy Myler should have done better with a shot from a good position on 55 minutes, but four minutes later Jamie Duffy whipped in a right wing cross and substitute Padraig Amond headed in from close range.
Harps’ night of frustration was compounded with the sending off of Barry Curran for a rash challenge on David McGill in the 75th minute.
This was Harps’ third straight league defeat and effectively ends their already slim title hopes.
