Cork City moved back to the top of the Eircom League Premier Division last night by beating relegation favourites Finn Harps at Finn Park.

But the Turner's Cross outfit had to endure a real scare in the second half as the Donegal club briefly threatened to upset their title bid.

Damien Richardson's side went into this game with five wins in their last six outings, which is in stark contrast to Harps who have managed to taste victory just once since player/manager Anthony Gorman took charge in August.

And having beaten Harps twice in the league, and also in the FAI Cup (with a thrilling 3-2 success in a replay), Cork travelled full of confidence in this must-win game for both sides.

City, who were without the injured Joe Gamble, got off to a dream start by taking the lead with little more than a minute gone as Alan Bennett, unmarked, rose to head home a corner past stunned Harps goalkeeper Gavin Cullen.

For struggling Harps, this was just what the doctor didn't order, and they knew they were up against it.

Although they came into the game more as the half progressed, City were never really troubled.

Conor Gethins went close with a header for Harps on six minutes, and Michael Funston drove a swirling shot just over on 25 minutes, but Michael Devine in the visitors' goal was never troubled.

With Harps failing to pick up the ubiquitous George O'Callaghan, who lurked between the midfield and front man Willie Bruton, City looked the better bet to alter the scoreline.

And just before the break, Harps had a let-off as O'Callaghan released Roy O'Donovan who surged down the right flank before cutting in and firing just wide of the target.

Harps got an unexpected lifeline in the 52nd minute when their top scorer, Kevin McHugh, capitalised on a mistake by Alan Bennett to race towards goal and curl the ball past Devine.

Suddenly, City were no longer in control and play swung from end to end with both sides looking far more threatening.

But City then pounced again in the 67th minute. Harps had a penalty plea turned down as McHugh went down in the box, and on the counter-attack Cork won a disputed free which eventually led to the move that saw Dan Murray stroking the ball home from 10 yards.

This result means City and Derry are locked together at the top, but Cork have a game in hand and a far better goal difference.

Harps, meanwhile, are five points adrift at the bottom and now look like returning to the First Division after just one season back in the top flight.

FINN HARPS: Cullen, McGowan, Minnock, Boyle, Bradley, Funston, Gethins, McGrenaghan, Lauchlan, McHugh, Gorman. Sub: Breen for Lauchlan (45 mins).

CORK CITY: Devine, Murphy, Bennett, O'Halloran, Murray, O'Brien, O'Callaghan, O'Donovan, Bruton, Horgan, Kearney. Subs: Woods for O'Donovan (82 mins), Beehan for Bruton (86 mins).

Referee: Pat Whelan (Dublin).