Harps welcome First Division leaders to Ballybofey



It’s a big match for Finn Harps tonight against First Division league leaders UCD in Ballybofey (kick-off 8.00). Harps who are fourth in the table will bid to close the gap but that’s going to be a big ask against the Students who defeated their nearest rivals Drogheda Utd last Friday night.

It’s the last game before the mid-season break and a win would see Ollie Horgan’s men trail UCD by just four points when the campaign resumes in two weeks time with an away game to Cabinteely. Horgan said: “It’s the biggest match so far for some of our young lads so it would be great to have a big turnout of supporters getting behind team. We will need all the help we can get against a team of UCD’s calibre. We got a good result in Galway and that’s the standard we have to aim for in every game we play. The lads have to be really sharp and with a bit luck hopefully and the backing of our supporters we can get a decent result.

“It’s been a crazy league so far this season with all the unexpected results. But, there is no doubt that it is a much more competitive league than it was on when we were last in the First Division back in 2015. Cobh and Cabinteely have come back into the reckoning so there are eight teams that will feel they have chance in terms of promotion. We have had our ups and down and there will be more of all that as the season progresses” Horgan said.

The Harps boss fully respects the threat that UCD poses tomorrow night with the league’s leading goalscorer Georgie Kelly in their squad along with talented players like Gary O’Neill and Daire O’Connor. “They are seven points ahead of us so we very much respect their form but we don’t fear them. We did play well against UCD up in Belfield but still lost 3-2. It’s going to take a mammoth performance from us to get better of that team.”

Horgan has concerns over the fitness of Ciaran O’Connor, Mark Coyle, Keith Cowan and Jesse Devers. Meanwhile Adam Duffy, Liam Walsh and Lee Toland remain on the injured list. Tommy McBride is available after missing the Galway game through suspension.

 

Injured: Adam Duffy, Liam Walsh, Lee Toland

Doubtful: Ciaran O’Connor, Mark Coyle

Suspended: None

Kick-off tonight at Finn Park is 8.00.



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