In fact, Blues could have been five or six goals down at the break, such was the litany of chances a rampant Harps created.

As it was, Paul Hegarty's side had just one goal to show for their first half dominance on their way to another comfortable win.

That came on 16 minutes when Conor Gethins won possession off David Breen, in what appeared a foul. But there was no whistle from cup final referee Dave McKeon, and Gethins skipped away to the end line to pull the ball back across goal.

It was to give Michael Funston an easy tap-in for what was his first goal of the season.

Funston returned the compliment three minutes into the second half to square the ball for Gethins to rifle Harps' 2-0 up.

Blues pulled a goal back on 51 minutes when substitute Cathal Lordan curled home a free kick.

Kenny Browne then headed Waterford level from Dave Warren's free-kick on 67 minutes.

But Harps went in front again three minutes later when Gethins burst forward to put Stephen Parkhouse in on goal and the big striker drilled his shot past Dean Delaney.

Blues striker Vinny Sullivan was sent off on 87 minutes for striking Harps defender Shaun Holmes.

Dave Warren then levelled in the final minute with a shot from outside the area.

But to no avail as Waterford United were relegated and now face First Division football next year.

On the evidence of this, Paul Hegarty's Finn Harps will be an asset to the Premier.