Finn Harps 2 UCD 0:FINN HARPS opened up a four point cushion over UCD - who remain in the relegation zone - after a rip-roaring battle in difficult conditions at Finn Park last night.

Harps, with the elements behind them started positively, and Davy Byrne had an early shot blocked while Dave Tyrell saw a low drive knocked out for a corner. With Michael Funston probing down the right flank, UCD soon found themselves under pressure and fell behind in the 14th minute. Tyrell, over 30 yards out, strode forward before letting fly with a thundering wind-assisted shot that flew past Matt Gregg and into the net.

And Tyrrell could have doubled his tally on the half hour as he produced another thumping effort but on this occasion he hit the bar. Chris Breen was then denied by the woodwork as he connected with a Funston cross.

UCD began the second half by forcing a couple of corners but on a counter-attack in the 51st minute Breen was left cursing his luck as his shot went wide of the right post.

However, the visitors reminded Harps that they were still in the game with Timmy Purcell and Shane Fitzgerald both just off target. Harps sealed the issue in the final minute when Breen ran from half-way before evading the advancing Gregg to score.

FINN HARPS:Gallagher, Mukendi, Holmes, Minnock, Malcolm, Byrne (McGowan 28 mins), Breen, McCafferty, Parkhouse, Funston, Tyrell.

UCD:Gregg, Mahon, Kenna (Bermingham 78 mins), McNally, McMillan, McFaul, Fitzgerald (Reilly 64 mins), Finn, Purcell, McWalter, Duggan (Bolger 86 mins)

Referee:D. Hanney (Dublin).