For Derry, meanwhile, the win keeps them in touch at the top of the table and Peter Moran's Candystripes are third in the standings just four points behind top of the table Sligo Rovers.

The home side raced into a two-goal lead in the first half, although Sean 'Wizard' McGowan's side will feel that they should have had more for their early endeavours as they were on top early on.

They fell behind when striker Gerard McLaughlin headed Derry in front and McLaughlin added his second when after a superb swivel on the edge of the box, he beat Liam Mailey with a neat finish.

Before the half time break, Harps pulled one back when Shaun McGowan headed past Eugene Ferry from close range.

Harps sent on Irish Underage International Barry Tourish after 68minutes and the lively frontman levelled matters when he broke clear and coolly rounded Ferry to tap into an empty net.

Barry Tourish- made a real impact

Harps would have hoped to hold on for a point at this stage, but Derry were soon back in front when the impressive Mark Brolly fired home past Mailey to give the home side all three points.

This defeat was disappointing from a Harps perspective and with just three games remaining this season they will be hoping to propel themselves up the table out of the second last place they currently find themselves in.

Derry City : Eugene Ferry; Martin Doherty, John Carlin, Darragh McGee, Mark Hamilton; Ryan McGarvey, Patrick McDonald, Gareth Harkin, Mark Brolly; Gerard McLaughlin, Seamus Browne. Subs: Davy McLaughlin (for McGarvey).

Finn Harps: Liam Mailey; Glenn Rainey, Matthew Crossan, James Doherty, Shaun McGowan; Colm McGonigle, Cathal Sharkey, Darren Meenan, Gary Whoriskey; Davitt Walsh, Barry Mulligan. Subs: Alan Gethins (for Mulligan); Barry Tourish (for Walsh); Danny Keohane (for Whoriskey).

Referee: Paul Duddy