From Behind The Nets Finn Harps FC Ballybofey Co Donegal

Finn Harps 3 - 0 Sligo Rovers

Finn Harps had one of their easiest victories over North-West neighbours Sligo Rovers in years at Finn Park on Friday night.

In what are usually extremely tight affairs between the two clubs and Rovers having a decent record at the Ballybofey venue, this tie was effectively over three minutes into the second half when Neil Lloyd put Harps three up.

Sligo had to Donegal men in the centre of midfield, namely Gareth Gorman and Stephen O'Donnell but they proved no match for Mohan and McGrenaghan.

Shane Bradley had given Harps the lead on 15 minutes when he rose unchallenged in the area to head home from a Sean Friars free curled in from the right.

Ken O'Malley saved well from Kevin McHugh on 26 minutes but four minutes later he was picking the ball out of his net after a superb goal from Paddy McGrenaghan. The Fanad man picked up a pass from Neil Lloyd through the middle and after turning his marker let fly from 25 yards to double Harps advantage.

Goal: 'Rita

Three minutes after the interval Niall Bonner's tremendous pass from the left found the head for McHugh and although O'Malley somehow saved he could little as Llyod fired into the empty net.

McHugh also hit the post with a wonderful effort while Niall Bonner beat O'Malley only for his effort to be ruled off-side. Rovers also had an effort ruled out by the assistants flag but it was all Harps as they look to hit top form after what had been a quiet start to this season's campaign.

The result lifts Harps into third and should they overcome Galway in their next game, they will go top for at least a night as UCD and Kildare met the following evening.

FINN HARPS: James Gallagher, Eloka Asokuh, Martin Ferry, Shane Bradley, Jonathan Minnock, Paddy McGrenaghan, Tom Mohan, Neil Lloyd, Kevin McHugh, Niall Bonner, Sean Friars. Subs: Nicky McCarville for Mohan 88 mins, Sean McGowan for Asokuh 78 mins, Ross Connolly, Gary Crossan for Lloyd 86 mins, Gavin Cullen.

Referee: D. Deady (Dublin)