Finn Harps proved too strong for Monaghan United at Finn Park as they kept up their push for promotion from the eircom League of Ireland First Division with an impressive win.
Initially there was little between the sides but gradually Harps, with Tony Shields again impressing in midfield, began to get on top.
And they really should have taken the lead in the 17th minute after a fine, flowing move involving six players.
When John O’Loughlin finally whipped in a right-wing cross, Stephen Parkhouse’s glancing header fell for recent signing Declan Divin but he was unable to get enough power into his header and goalkeeper Alvin Rouse just about dealt with it just four yards out.
Harps then assumed total control. Gethins almost pounced on a mistake by Kevin Williamson, and moments later was played through only to see his shot saved by the increasingly busy Rouse.
As the half hour approached, Divin had a shot blocked while Parkhouse headed straight at the 'keeper as he met a pinpoint cross from O'Loughlin.
Gethins was then denied by Rouse from a difficult angle before Monaghan survived another scare in the 44th minute when John O’Loughlin’s effort was somehow blocked on the line by Kevin Williamson.
Harps finally made the breakthrough in the 47th minute when Shaun Holmes skipped down the left flank and crossed for Parkhouse who took his time before planting the ball into the roof of the net.
And the points were effectively in the bag six minutes later as Divin let fly with a superb, swerving 20-yard volley that gave Rouse no chance.
Gethins deservedly fired in the third in the 87th minute to extend their unbeaten league run to ten games.
Finn Harps: Gallagher; Asokuh, Boyle, Minnock, Holmes; O’Loughlin (Roddy, 77 mins), McGowan, Shields, Divin (Brolly, 87); Parkhouse (Brown, 54), Gethins.
Monaghan United: Rouse; Williamson, Mooney, Williamson; Meenan (Finnegan, 63 mins), Burke, Tierney, Gannon, Darcy; Doyle, Farrell (Byrne, 76).
Referee: D Tomney (Dublin).
