Finn Harps . . . . 0
Athlone Town . . . 1
On a night when Cork City were crowned First Division champions, Finn Harps lost again as Athlone took the points at Finn Park.
Peter Grogan scored seven minutes into the second half to clinch the win for Athlone who stay well in the hunt for a place in the promotion play-offs.
Harps scored four goals in the 5-4 defeat at UCD in their last game – but they offered little threat coming forward against a very well organised opposition.
Harps captain Tony McNamee challenges for a header as Ciaron Harkin awaits the outcome during Friday night’s game in Ballybofey. Photo: North West Newspix.
Athlone came into this game having won three league games on the bounce and they probably just about shaded a first half in which chances were at a premium.
Their best opening came just before the half hour mark when Grogan could only force the ball wide at the near post after good work down the right by Dylan Connolly.
Harps worked hard in the first half but despite the best efforts of Bridal Bosakani, Tony McNamee and Gavin McAteer, they struggled to create any opportunities.
And they conceded seven minutes into the second half when former Harps man Gradi Lomboto crossed for Grogan to convert from close in.
Harps brought on Aaron McLaughlin and Guilhermo Priosti and suddenly they began to cause Athlone some problems.
Tony McNamee saw a deflected effort saved before Darragh Coyle’s brilliant header from a Ciaron Harkin cross went inches over the bar.
But battling Harps were unable to find an equaliser and losing run stretches out to eight matches.
Theys return to action next Friday night with an away game at Wexford FC.