FINN HARPS virtually guaranteed their Premier Division status next season with an excellent victory over Shelbourne at Ballybofey last night. For the Dublin club, the defeat signals all but the end of their faint title ambitions.
The home side stunned Shelbourne in the 19th minute when James Mulligan directed a Paddy McGremaghan cross into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later it was 2-0 when Trevor Scanlon blasted past Gough from 18 yards. Dessie Baker reduced the deficit with a low right-foot drive a minute before half-time, but it wasn't enough to inspire a comeback.
Harps had the best of the chances in the second half and ensured their win when Mulligan tapped in Stephen Kelly's pass in the 81st minute.
Shelbourne's misery was compounded with just four minutes to. go when Greg Costello was sent off for a professional foul on Jonathan Speak. Costello has endured a difficult week. In last Saturday's draw with Derry, he missed a penalty, made an error that resulted in Derry's equaliser and was substituted.
Even an own-goal by Stuart Gauld in the last minute did not take the shine off an impressive performance by Finn Harps. With two matches remaining, they are now five points ahead of Dundalk who currently occupy the relegation play-off place.
