Finn Harps 0 Galway Utd 2:JEFF KENNA'S Galway United notched up a crucial win in their relegation six-pointer against Finn Harps at Finn Park. Both teams remain in the drop zone but for the first time this season Galway are ahead of the Donegal side, albeit on goal difference.

Galway looked the more polished outfit early on and lively new Danish striker Jesper Jorgensen had a chance with a close-range header, but directed the ball straight at James Gallagher.

Two minutes later the home side had a real scare when James O'Shea latched onto a wayward pass and spotted Gallagher well off his line, but his shot struck the woodwork.

But gradually Harps came into the contest and recent arrival Austin Friel shot narrowly wide on 20 minutes. However, Galway took the lead on 38 minutes when John Russell connected with a low drive from O'Shea.

Jorgensen and Iarfhlaith Davoren both had opportunities for Galway just after the interval, while at the other end Conor Gethins surged into the box only to shoot wide after 65 minutes.

Harps substitute Marc Brolly saw his powerful header saved by Gary Rodgers, but Galway sealed the issue in the 89th minute when O'Shea, the game's outstanding player, scored after Gallagher was unable to hold an earlier shot.

FINN HARPS: Gallagher, Mukendi, Holmes, Minnock, Malcolm, McCafferty, Funston, McGowan, Friel, Gethins, Tyrell. Subs: Brolly for Tyrell (45 mins), Breen for Friel (65 mins).

GALWAY UTD: Rodgers, Kenna, Jorgensen, Glynn, O'Shea, Lester, McCulloch, Murray, Russell, Conneely, Davoren. Subs: Molloy for Glynn (72 mins), Foley for Davoren (82 mins), Faherty for Jorgensen (89 mins).

Referee: D Hanney (Dublin).