FINN HARPS ended recent humdrum performances with a stunning away win at Longford Town.
Even a late scary rally at Flancare Park by the home side failed to stop the Donegal men taking all three points.
The small travelling support couldn’t believe what they were seeing as first Sean McCarron scored (18th minute) and Kevin McHugh added a second in the 34th to see the visitors in at half-time 2-0 ahead.
When Longford’s Michael Funston scored an own goal with nine minutes left, Harps were 3-0 in front.
And, it seemed, heading for an incredible whitewash of the Division One favourites.
The hosts decided to give it a go and with two minutes on the clock Mark Salmon pulled back what seemed to be a mere consolation.
But Michael Isichel added a second to reduce the deficit to 3-2 in injury time.
Thankfully for the Ballybofey outfit Longford ran out of time….and the Harps are on their way back to Donegal with three more points.
It was a great result for Peter Hutton’s team who close the gap on Town and Mervue.
Longford Town: Chris Bennion; Noel Haverty, Willo McDonagh, Brian McCarthy, Willie Tyrell (Michael Isichei 80); Daniel Purdy, Gavin Doyle (Keith Gillespie 54), Mark Salmon, Keith Quinn (Etanda Nkololo 38); Gary Shaw, David O’Sullivan.
Subs: Paul Hunt, Chris Deans, Des Hope, David O’Neill.
Bookings: Noel Haverty 14mins, Willo McDonagh 55mins, Chris Bennion 63mins, Keith Gillespie 85mins
Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; James Doherty, Thomas McGonagle (Michael Doherty 84), Keith Cowan, Ciaran Coll; Michael Funston, Damien McNulty, Tommy Bonner, Gary Merritt (Matt Harkin 75); Sean McCarron (Shaun McGowan 90), Kevin McHugh.
Subs: Johnny Bonner, Mark Forker, Aaron O’Hagan, Shaun Patton.
Booking: Michael Funston 59mins, Ciaran Gallagher 90+3
Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford)
Attendance: 343 official