Finn Harps twice came from behind to claim a crucial point against Galway United at Terryland Park.
Galway were unchanged from last week’s draw in Derry, while the visitors made four changes to a side low on confidence following seven successive defeats.
The home side began well, and could have been in front within five minutes when Jay O’Shea was released by Gary Deegan. The winger’s scuffed shot fell to Derek O’Brien, who in turn drilled a shot across the goalmouth, but the linesman’s flag denied Stephen O’Flynn the chance to convert.
O’Flynn was at the heart of all Galway’s good work in the early stages, before ex-Galway striker Conor Gethins hooked a shot narrowly wide that had Gary Rogers scrambling.
Galway struck for the lead just before the half hour mark, when hesitation in the visitors defence allowed John Russell the freedom of the penalty area, and he calmly slotted home to give Galway a lead for the first time in the league this season.
However, the lead didn’t last long, as Finn Harps crafted an equaliser within 90 seconds. Shaun Williams’ pass was flicked into Gethins’ path by Stephen Parkhouse, and the striker calmly rounded Rogers before calmly slotting home.
Mark Leech, introduced for the weary O’Flynn, had an immediate impact, setting up O’Shea for Galway’s second on 55 minutes. The winger drove home from ten yards for his first league goal for United.
Galway looked the stronger, but once more Harps bounced back. Chris Breen’s 71st minute shot was blocked into the path of Parkhouse, who lashed a spectacular left foot drive beyond the despairing dive of Rogers into the top left corner.
Neither side could force a winner in the dying stages, as Galway United remain four points adrift of Finn Harps at the bottom.
Galway United: Rogers; Nooitmeer, Charles, Fitzgerald, McCulloch; O'Shea, Deegan, Russell, O'Brien; Faherty (Glynn 87), O'Flynn (Leech 45).
Finn Harps: Gallagher; Labonte, Boyle, Malcolm, Holmes; Breen (Funston 75), Shields, McGowan, Williams; Gethins, Parkhouse.
Referee: A Buttimer (Cork)
