Two goals from striker James Mulligan inspired Finn Harps to a convincing win over Shamrock Rovers last night in Ballybofey where constant driving snow covered the pitch before kick-off.

Mulligan scored in the 33rd and 88th minutes. Eamonn Kavanagh got the first after three minutes and Harps' third was an own goal by Peter Murray in the 63rd minute. Jason Colwell replied in the 33rd minute for Rovers.

Finn Harps: Bradley, R Boyle, Minnock, D Boyle, Dykes, Kavanagh, Mohan, McGettigan, Speak, Mulligan, Harkin. Subs: O'Brien for McGettigan (60 mins), McGrenaghan for Harkin (70 mins), Sheridan for Speak (79 mins).

Shamrock Rovers: O'Dowd, Britton, Woods, Brazil, Whelan, Colwell, Tracey, O'Connor, Sherlock, Kenny, Murray. Subs: Purdy for Britton (70 mins), Morrisroe for Murray (70 mins), Crowley for Kenny (88 mins).

Referee: P McKeown (Dublin).