Despite an excellent goal from substitute Paul Stokes, Shamrock Rovers were unable to salvage a point against Finn Harps in Ballybofey on Saturday night.
Harps survived a scare in the 23rd minute when Sean Francis headed against the bar but six minutes later they took the lead when Davy Dowling scored from close range.
Robert Forde made a great save in the 34th minute to deny Paddy McGrenaghan but he could do nothing to stop Sammy Johnston making it 2-0 in the 40th minute following excellent work by James Mulligan.
Francis had another opportunity to put Rovers on the score sheet in the 58th minute but he dragged his shot wide of the target. At the other end Forde was again at his best to deny Speak with an excellent save in the 65th minute.
Nine minutes later Paul Stokes volleyed a fierce shot into the top corner to give Rovers a lifeline, but when Cousins headed straight at Byrne in the 80th minute, Rovers' best chance of salvaging a point was gone.
Finn Harps: Byrne, McGettigan, Minnock, Boyle, Dowling, O'Brien, McGrenaghan, Johnston, Speak, Mulligan, Gauld. Subs: Callaghan for Mulligan (72 mins), Cullen for Johnston (84 mins).
Shamrock Rovers: Forde, Britton, Dunne, Brazil, Whelan, Colwell, Tracey, Cousins, Purdy, Kenny, Francis. Subs: Stokes for Francis (65 mins), Morrisroe for Kenny (74 mins).
Referee: P McKeown (Dublin).
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