Two second-half goals secured a priceless win for struggling Sligo Rovers against north west rivals Finn Harps at the Showgrounds last night. Having been forced to release two full-time professionals during the week, Sligo had to field a makeshift side and for long periods they looked second best to an efficient Harps outfit.
The Donegal club dictated affairs to an almost embarrassing extent in the first half, but for all their possession they found it difficult to penetrate a Sligo defence in which Wes Charles was outstanding.
What Sligo lacked in terms of experience and technique they more than made up for in honest endeavour. The breakthrough that their hard work merited came in the 63rd minute. Steve Birks charged forward from midfield and delivered an inch perfect pass to Mark Hutchinson on the left, who finished in style.
Sligo were still celebrating when Harps nearly got through for an instant equaliser, but goalkeeper Matt Boswell advanced bravely to keep out James Mulligan's close-range effort.
Marcus Hallows extended Sligo's lead after 76 minutes. The Harps defence got into a terrible tangle in trying to deal with a long ball from Ross McLynn and Hallows nipped in to finish.
SLIGO ROVERS: Boswell, McLynn, Hutchinson, Birks, Charles, Sheridan, Kennedy, Flannery, Hallowes, Hoeks, Lynch. Sub: Oates for Flannery (half-time).
FINN HARPS: McKenna, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Bradley, O'Brien, Mohan, Kavanagh, Speak, Mulligan, Harkin. Subs: McGrenaghan for O'Brien (75 mins), Scanlon for Minnock (75 mins), McHugh for Speak (85 mins).
Referee: G Perry (Dublin).
