Bohemians 1 Finn Harps 0: Branding this encounter a "six-pointer" so early in the season is, of course, misleading, but both sides were propping up the Premier Division table and were desperate to record their first win of the campaign.

Under-pressure player-manager Gareth Farrelly returned from a thigh injury he sustained on the opening day and his inclusion sparked Bohemians' timely revival. The former Irish international partnered Kevin Hunt in the middle of the park and the duo provided the platform from which Bohemians formed their gameplan.

Bohemians, eager to appease unrest among the home support, began in lively fashion and in the early stages capitalised on some haphazard Harps passing.

And they edged ahead in the 35th minute. Tony Grant was played in by Fergal Harkin and, after cutting in from the edge of the box, he saw his shot rebound off defender Jonathan Minnock for an own goal.

Bohemians gained confidence from that goal and their structure improved. And, while Harps played with more purpose after the break, they found themselves working overtime at the back.

Any hopes Harps had of salvaging a draw were crushed in 78th minute when striker Kevin McHugh was shown his second yellow for a foul on Stephen Rice.

BOHEMIANS: Gregg, Rice, Palmer, Oman, Byrne; Harkin, Hunt, Farrelly, Ward; Foley, Grant. Booked: Grant (33 mins), Hunt (54 mins).

FINN HARPS: Cullen; Rossiter, Asokuh, Boyle, Minnock; Funston, Bonner, McGowan, McGrenaghan; Breen, McHugh. Subs: Connolly for McGrenaghan (half-time). Sent off: McHugh (78 mins, second yellow).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).