Longford Town fell further in the relegation mire as Finn Harps recorded a 3-0 win in Bishopsate.
Things look ominous for Town who are without a win in 23 games and have problems at both ends of the pitch.
The home side started brightly as Harps looked nervous at times. Town left-back Paddy Kirk hit the upright in the second minute, Dan Hawkins had a chance for Harps.
The Donegal broke the deadlock in the 14th minute. Jordan Mustoe’s cross came off Town defender Mick McDonnell and ended up in the net.
Six minutes later Tunde Owolabi pull-back fell to Jordan Mustoe, his stinging shot was saved by Town keeper Lee Steacy.
Harps keeper Mark McGinley pulled off a superb save on 34 minutes to deny Aodh Dervin 30-yard shot. Three minutes later Harps doubled their advantage, Ryan Rainey with a stunning strike from outside the box.
The second-half was a lively affair. Harps Owolabi headed over in the 50th minute while down the other end McGinley was called into action twice in the space of four minutes.
The harps keeper pulled off a terrific save to prevent McDonnell from scoring in the 51st minute and then saved Aaron O’Driscoll’s header.
Town enjoyed possession and created chances but their efforts were weak and didn’t threaten Harps. The Donegal side were delighted to sit back and soak up the pressure.
Harps manager Ollie Horgan was shown a red card in the 78th minute for disagreeing with a free-kick. Harps sealed the win seven minutes from time when Sean Boyd headed home Barry McNamee’s corner.
Longford Town: Lee Steacy; Aaron McNally, Mick McDonnell, Aaron O’Driscoll, Paddy Kirk; Darragh Nugent, Aodh Dervin; Rob Manley, Dean Williams (Callum Warfield 63), Dylan Grimes (Conor Davis 74); Aaron Dobbs (Aaron McCabe 88).
Finn Harps: Mark McGinley; Jordan Mustoe, Kosovar Sadiki, Shane McEleney, David Webster; Dan Hawkins (Adam Foley ht), Barry McNamee, Ryan Connolly (John Dunleavy 70), Will Seymore, Ryan Rainey (Joel Bradley 90+1); Tunde Owolabi (Sean Boyd 78).
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)
