League champions, St Patrick's Athletic, waved goodbye to their 100 per cent record on Saturday night against a rejuvenated Finn Harps, who hadn't won at home this season.
Harps, who were jeered by their supporters after a scoreless draw last week, had never beaten St Patrick's since their return to the premier division, but turned on the style to secure a famous win. They signalled their attacking intention early and in the opening minutes Tom Mohan and Paddy McGrenaghan both came close with shots, while Trevor Wood also had to save from Jonathan Speak in the seventh minute.
St Patrick's, who never seemed to find top gear, tested their former keeper, Brian McKenna, in the 28th and 31st minutes with shots from Trevor Molloy and Trevor Crawley, and came close again in the 33rd minute when Molloy curled a shot wide of the post.
However, it was the home side who took the lead in the 35th minute when Jonathan Minnock curled a beautiful free kick over the St Patrick's wall. The lead was short-lived, though, and six minutes later Trevor Molloy levelled the game with an equally-fine free kick. That goal set up an interesting second half and when Harps started again on the attack, it was clear they intended to take the three points.
Tom Mohan's interception on the edge of his own box started the move that eventually won the game for Harps. He found Speak free on the right and when he crossed to the back post, James Mulligan smashed the ball past Wood to give Harps the lead in the 55th minute.
Finn Harps - McKenna, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Dykes, Flood, Kavanagh, McGrenaghan, Mohan, Speak, Mulligan. Sub: Kelly for Flood (87 mins).
St Pat's - Wood, Crawley, Lynch, McGuinness, Doyle, Devereaux, Gormley, Russell, Osam, Gilzean, Molloy. Subs: Reilly for Devereaux (60 mins), Braithwaite for Molloy (83 mins), Morgan for Russell (87 mins).
Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).
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