A defensive mix-up midway through the second half cost Cork City dearly yesterday as Finn Harps made it three wins out of four at Finn Park in the league.

With 62 minutes gone, Jonathan Minnock pumped in a harmless-looking ball from the left. But Cork defender, Gareth Cronin, collided with the advancing Phil Harrington and the ball spun loose for James Mulligan, who gleefully scored from 12 yards.

Cork had found themselves in arrears after 31 minutes, when Jonathan Speak headed home a Paddy McGrenaghan cross. However, they they deservedly equalised in the 56th minute, when Patsy Freyne crossed to Noel Hartigan, whose header gave new Harps goalkeeper, Jody Byrne, little chance.

Cork looked the more likely at this stage to collect all three points, but they were then stung by Mulligan's goal.