FINN HARPS, the surprise team of the Premier Division, confirmed their title aspirations with a highly impressive 2-0 victory over north west rivals Sligo Rovers in a tension packed Derby game at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.

Sligo were protecting an unbeaten home record but it all started to go wrong for them when goalkeeper Alan O'Neill was forced to retire with a leg injury after 25 minutes. He was replaced by Nicky Broujos. And their difficulties were compounded when midfielder Steve Berks was sent off following a terrible tackle on Pierce Walsh after 37 minutes.

Sligo had looked the more likely side to make the breakthrough in the early stages but Harps grew in confidence after the dismissal of Berks and they dominated the second half.

Finn Harps mounting pressure finally told after 75 minutes when Stephen Kelly cleverly set up John Gerard McGetigan for a well taken goal.

Harps sealed a priceless victory when Minnock hammered a 20 yard free kick into the net in the 79th minute.