First half goals do the trick as Dundalk overpower Finn Harps

Steven Bradley inspired Dundalk to a return to winning ways with this comfortable win over Finn Harps and ensure there is life yet in the title race with a third of the season remaining.

The Scottish youngster had begun the campaign in style, hitting four goals in three games. However, he hadn't found the net since before a stunning strike rounded off the scoring at Oriel Park.

Goals inside the opening six minutes from Darragh Leahy and Greg Sloggett had Dundalk in control and they cruised through the remainder of a game in which the stuffing was well and truly knocked out of Harps early on.

Less than an hour before kick-off, Dundalk confirmed that Mark Connolly, last month’s SWAI/SSE Airtricity Player of the Month, had been recalled from his loan spell by parent club Dundee United.

The centre back’s future had been the subject of much discussion in recent weeks with boss Stephen O’Donnell stating only that talks were ongoing between the Oriel Park outfit and the Scottish Premiership side.

Many had expected the experienced defender to leave the club last month given his loan period was only ever supposed to run until the summer. While Dundalk had hoped to extend that, no progress was made on the front and Connolly is a significant loss as the Lilywhites attempt to reel in Shamrock Rovers.

With Brian Gartland unavailable, Sam Bone started at centre back against Harps. Bradley and Paul Doyle were recalled, but Robbie Benson was sidelined with a knock.

Ollie Horgan handed a first start to new signing Luke McGing. The Aussie defender was appearing in Australia's A-League, and the Asian Champions League no less, for Sydney FC as recently as May.

Harp have had a particularly active summer window as Horgan bids to avoid the drop and