Sligo Rovers took a step closer to reaching the final of the FAI Ford Cup for the second year in a row after beating Finn Harps 1-0 at Finn Park.

 

After Richie Ryan came close with a shot early on that struck the post, the Bit O'Red took the lead on 15 minutes through defender Alan Keane.

 

A clumsy foul by Packie Mailey on striker Matthew Blinkhorn resulted in a penalty being awarded to the visitors. They did not waste the chance as Keane converted from 12 yards out.

 

Kevin McHugh was a constant threat up front for the home team but his shot from distance went over the bar and his appeals for a penalty were turned down.

 

Sligo were probably the stronger of the two teams, although there wasn't much between them. Substitute Eoin Doyle should have wrapped things up late on, but keeper Gavin Cullen saved his effort.

 

However, Paul Cook's men held onto their slender advantage to march into the next round of the competition and send Harps tumbling out.

 

Finn Harps: Cullen; Doherty, Mailey, Crossan, Whoriskey (Breen 76, Walsh 90); McMenamin, Forker, Shields, Bonner; Brolly, McHugh 

 

Sligo Rovers: Kelly; Keane, Peers, Lauchlan, Davoren; Ryan; Dillon (Doyle 61), Russell, Boco, McCabe (Ventre 61); Blinkhorn (Amond 76).