FOOTBALL: Finn Harps suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of Derry City tonight in a one-sided affair at Finn Park.
Harps conceded two first-half penalties, both of which were converted by Aaron McEneff.
It was always going to be an uphill struggle thereafter and when Nathan Boyle scored Derry’s third goal on 53 minutes it was lights out for Ollie Horgan’s side.
Derry added further goals through Lucas Schubert and Keith Ward to add to Harps woe.
Kenny Shiels tried to have this match called off beforehand, citing an injury-crisis as the reason he wanted the game postponed.
However, Derry were far from under-strength and delivered a fabulous performance to earn the derby bragging rights.
There was a huge crowd in attendance for the North-West derby, but it was a bitterly disappointing night for Harps fans.
Harps played one up front, and Ryan Curran was left with the thankless and lonely task of trying the lead the line on his own.
The tactic backfired and Harps could never get any grip on the game as a result.
Harps received more woe with the news that Wexford defeated Longford 2-0 at home, with Buncrana man Johnny Bonner on the score-sheet.
Wexford are now just five points behind Harps in the race to avoid relegation from the Premier Division.