An own goal midway through the second half was enough to condemn Drogheda United to another defeat on Saturday night, but the Boynesiders will feel they should have left Ballybofey with a point.

Although they dominated the first half, Finn Harps were unable to make any clearcut scoring chances and while James Mulligan had a number of half chances, they never really troubled Drogheda.

At the other end, Jody Byrne was a virtual spectator as Finn Harps pressed in search of a goal, but it wasn't until the 62nd minute that they finally made the breakthrough. A scramble inside the box had the Drogheda defence in a muddle, and under pressure from James Mulligan, Gregg O'Dowd turned the ball into his own net. That goal spurred Drogheda into life and Jody Byrne was forced to make a top-class save to deny Brian Irwin in the 73rd minute. When the resulting corner was cleared to Ken Shevlin, his shot thundered off the crossbar and Drogheda knew it wasn't their night.

Ten minutes from the end, James Mulligan had a great chance to wrap it up for Finn Harps, but Gareth Byrne got a hand to the ball and it was cleared by a defender.

Paddy McGrenaghan's fine run and low cross could also have produced a second for Harps.

Finn Harps: Byrne, Vaudequin, T Callaghan, Boyle, Bradley, O'Brien, McGrenaghan, McGettigan, Dowling, Mulligan, Gauld. Subs: Minnock for Dowling (50 mins), G Callaghan for Mulligan (81 mins).

Drogheda United: Byrne, Hill, Coady, Murphy, Carroll, Ramage, Fox, O'Dowd, Gallen, Irwin, Reid. Subs: K Shevlin for Hill (60 mins), D Shevlin for Fox (85 mins).

Referee: J Feighrey (Dublin).