First division leaders Longford Town proved a capable match for Finn Harps in a thoroughly absorbing third round tie at Strokestown Road on Saturday night.

Only two sublime goals, the second a real goal of the season candidate, from James Mulligan, got Finn Harps out of jail.

Longford overcame their early nerves to take the lead with an excellent goal after 38 minutes; Stephen Gavin's ball in behind the Harps defence was taken on his chest by Keith O'Connor before shooting into the bottom corner.

Mulligan raised the decibels from the sizeable travelling support in the 2,000 crowd with Harps' first equaliser in first-half injury time. Paddy McGrenaghan picked him out, and Mulligan turned to score from the edge of the area.

The first-half was pedestrian compared to a thrilling second period again embellished by two superb strikes.

Richie Parsons, one of three former Harps players in the Longford squad, put the home side back in front on 68 minutes with a low drive that flew passed the Harps' goalkeeper to lodge in the bottom right-hand corner of his net.

Four minutes later Mulligan capped his man-of-the-match display with another brilliant equaliser, the goal of the game. This time McGrenaghan and Fergal Harkin combined for the later to cross. Mulligan, back to goal, turned to beat Stephen O'Brien from 12 yards with a volley.

The one blot on an otherwise thrilling game was the sending off of Harkin 15 minutes from time for a second yellow card.

The sides meet again at Finn Park tomorrow night.

Longford Town: O'Brien; Kenny, P. Perth, McNally, Byrne; Gavin, V. Perth, Kelly, Zellor; O'Connor, Parsons. Subs: Creedon for V. Perth (66 mins.), Thompson for P. Perth (80 mins.), Fitzell for Gavin (90 mins.).

Finn Harps: McKenna; Mohan, D. Boyle, Dykes, Minnock; Kenny, Tierney, Harkin, McGrenaghan; Mulligan, Turner. Subs: Speak for Turner (79 mins.).

Referee: H Byrne (Dublin)