A SUPER strike by Finn Harps forward Damian Dunleavy earned the first division team an FAI Cup second round replay against premier strugglers Athlone Town on Saturday night.

Finn Harps started the game brightly and Shane Curran was forced to make fine saves from Dunleavy and Speak in the opening quarter. However, all their good work was undone in the 24th minute when Warren Parkes's header squirmed through John Walsh's hands to give Athlone the lead.

Inspired by Paddy's McGranaghan, Finn Harps' sought a quick equaliser, but they found the Athlone defence, and Frank Darby in particular, in excellent form.

Heavy rainfall at half time didn't help an already soggy Finn Park surface and made conditions difficult for both teams. Finn Harps, however, still managed to find the breakthrough they needed in the 61st minute when Dunleavy ran on to a Pierce Walsh pass and unleashed a fierce drive which hits the bar before bouncing over the line.

Finn Harps had penalty claims turned down in the 78th minute when John Gerrard McGettigan was bundled over in the box. That was as close as either side came to, earning a winner.