Ten-man Finn Harps held on for a hard-fought victory over Shamrock Rovers in Ballybofey last night in a bruising game.

Finn Harps took the lead in the 65th minute when Jonathan Speak powered home a header from a fine Johnny Kenny cross.

Speak could have made it 2-0 in the 80th minute with a shot that skimmed the bar; but two minutes later Harps were reduced to 10 men when James Mulligan was sent off.

Richie Purdy hit the bar for Rovers and Sean Francis shot wide, and they will feel they deserved at least a point.

FINN HARPS: Cullen, Vaudequin, Minnock, Boyle, Scanlan, Huchinson, Kenny, Tierney, Speak, Mulligan, Harkin. Sub: McGrenaghan for Speak (83 mins).

SHAMROCK ROVERS: Horgan, Britton, Dunne, Purdy, Palmer, Colwell, Robinson, Francis, Lawlor, Kenny, Byrne. Subs: Crowley for Byrne (58 mins), Brazil for Robinson (80 mins).

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).