Tony Cousins made a fairytale return to Shamrock Rovers' attack to consolidate their third place in the table with this facile win over struggling Finn Harps.

Making his first start in the league in 13 months following a career-threatening knee injury, Cousins (31) revelled in his comeback with two goals before half-time, the first after just three minutes.

Marc Kenny, central to much of what was good about Rovers down their right flank, whipped the ball into the near post where Cousins got the vital touch.

Harps goalkeeper Gareth Downey was excellent throughout following the boost of a 12th minute penalty save from Kenny, after Jonathan Minnock had tripped Tony Grant.

Harps might have been back in the game on 31 minutes but for a double miss; Kevin McHugh's initial shot was parried away by Robbie Horgan and Paddy McGrenaghan then blazed over the top.

But Rovers, with Billy Woods raiding down the left and Derek Tracey having his best game of the season in central midfield, were much the better side and it was no surprise when they doubled their lead five minutes before the break. Again a deadball from Kenny did the damage as his corner was headed home by Cousins.

Harps, beaten for the seventh time in eight matches away from home, had their chances in the second half, but Horgan did well to thwart Johnny Kenny, who then missed an open goal.

Much of the action was at the other end, however, as Downey excelled, with the pick of his stops one from Kenny's 35-yard free-kick four minutes from time.

Shamrock Rovers: Horgan; Vaudequin, Palmer, Cronin, Woods; Tracey, Kenny, Colwell, Byrne; Cousins, Grant.

Finn Harps: Downey; R Kenny, Dykes, Fitzhenry, Monnock; J Kenny, Harkin, Tierney, McGrenaghan; Nesovic, McHugh. Subs: Bonnar and S Bradley for Harkin and Fitzhenry (both 61 mins), Kelly for McHugh (72 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).