Poor finishing from striker Eric Lavine cost Galway dearly on Saturday night as they lost out to Finn Harps, thanks to a goal from Kevin McHugh.

The normally reliable Lavine missed a good chance in the 10th minute, when he saw his effort tipped over the crossbar by Harps' goalkeeper, Gareth Downey, while two minutes later, he somehow managed to steer David Smith's cross over the crossbar from three yards.

At the other end, Kevin McHugh had Harps' first chance of the game in the 17th minute, when his left-foot shot was saved by David Forde, but the Galway 'keeper could do nothing to stop the striker nine minutes later.

Niall Bonner, making his first start for Harps, did the hard work with a fine run followed by an excellent cross, and when Galway failed to clear, Kevin McHugh hammered home from close range.

Downey made yet another save from Lavine in the 38th minute, when he tipped his shot over the crossbar and, two minutes later, Galway's misfortune was increased when defender Tom Silke was sent off.

The home side might have increased their lead ten minutes into the second half but Darragh Sheridan was alert to the danger after McHugh had beaten Forde and got back to clear the ball off the line.

Galway threw everything into attack in the final few minutes but with the advantage of the extra man Harps were able to cling on to their slender lead and take all three points.

Finn Harps: Downey; R Kenny, Minnock, Fitzhenry, Dykes, Tierney, Mohan, Bonner, McHugh, Nesovic, J Kenny. Subs: Avdiu for Bonner (84 mins); McGrenaghan for J Kenny (65 mins).

Galway Utd: Forde; Keady, Morgan, O'Connor, Silke, Fortune, Sheridan, Crossley, Lavine, Smith, Ryan. Sub: Keogh for Smith (65 mins).

Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).