A 25-yard screamer from Rory Gaffney on the cusp of half-time sealed a 1-0 victory for Shamrock Rovers over Finn Harps in the League of Ireland Premier Division this evening.

It was a quiet start to the affair with Finn Harps more than happy to sit back and let Shamrock Rovers dominate possession. The hosts struggled to retain possession when clearing their lines with lone striker Eric McWoods finding himself constantly isolated against Shamrock Rovers’ back three.

The first big chance of the game came midway through the second half when a Rob Slevin slipped, allowing Dylan Watts to race through on goal. Thankfully for Finn Harps, Ryan Mulreany was equal to Watts’ effort and the game remained scoreless.

The league leaders felt hard done by when Gaffney went down under the challenge of Mulreany on the edge of the box with the Ballybofey outfit’s goalkeeper seeming to go straight through the back of the Rovers’ man. The referee waved play on and Finn Harps survived.

Barry McNamee had his side’s best chance of the half just after the 35^th minute when a bouncing ball fell nicely into his path. The Finn Harps’ skipper’s strike was saved well by Alan Mannus.

On the cusp of half-time, it was a moment of individual brilliance from Rory Gaffney that broke the deadlock.

Gaffney picked the ball up from the guts of 25 yards out and unleashed a rocket off his left foot into the bottom corner to open the scoring.  

Ryan Mulreany was called into action instantly after the restart when Dylan Watts’ deflected effort from distance looked destined for the back of the net, but Mulreany saved well.

Shamrock Rovers continued to dominate, and Richie Towell almost made an instant impact just seconds after arriving on the pitch.

Sean Gannon’s inch perfect ball found Rory Gaffney out wide. Gaffney’s cross fell to Richie Towell at the back post, but the midfielder couldn’t keep his effort on target.

Harps did try and push for an equaliser, but they were met with a resilient Shamrock Rovers back five and Rovers will travel home with all three points.