Finn Harps recorded their first win in eight league and cup games as they overcame Kildare County 3-1 at Finn Park.
Kildare, who went into this game with just one defeat in their last seven outings, looked the more confident side in a first half that saw defences on top.
Chances were at a premium, but both sides showed plenty of endeavour as they grappled to cope with the slippery and very heavy surface.
Harps did not threaten until the 34th minute when a wayward clearance was nearly deflected past Kildare keeper John Flynn.
Shane Bradley then headed wide as he connected with an Anthony Gorman free, while Bary Curran blazed over from a good position after Flynn had failed to hold a cross.
David Scully and Philip Gorman both went close for the visitors after the break before Harps took the lead on 61 minutes when Stephen O’Donnell surged into the box and fired between the keeper and post.
Matthew Crossan made it 2-0 on 81 minutes as he beat Flynn in a one-on-one situation but battling Kildare pulled one back two minutes later though an Alan McDermott header.
Crossan then sealed the issue as he connected with an O’Donnell cross to get Harps' third in the 89th minute.
Finn Harps: Gallagher; McGowan, Asokuh, Bradley, Bell; Curran, Gorman, O’Connor, M. Crossan, McGavigan; O’Donnell. G. Crossan for McGavigan (84 mins).
Kildare County: Flynn; Maher, Byrne, McDermott, Christie; Clancy, McCrossan, Collins, Mulcahy; Gorman, Mahon. Subs: Gibson for Mulcahy (55 mins), Scully for Mahon (58 mins), Slattery for Clancy (69 mins).
Referee: Mr. Neil Doyle (Dublin).
