Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan wants his players rise to the occasion when Longford Town come to Ballybofey tomorrow night (kick-off 8.00). One of the motivational tools during the week would have been fact that just six weeks ago Longford inflicted a 4-2 defeat on Harps at Finn Park. Unsurprisingly it was a loss that Horgan was not happy about as his side conceded four goals at home, which hadn’t happened for a long time.
“When we played Longford here on the Bank Holiday Monday the performance in terms of our defending was not good enough. We were 2-0 down at half-time but in fairness Paddy McCourt’s penalty and Mikey Place’s equaliser gave us an opportunity to go on and win it. Instead they went up the field and scored again and then Dylan McGlade got a fourth to make sure that we wouldn’t even get a draw out of it” Horgan said.
Harps did win in Longford at the end April but were fortunate to do so. Mark Coyle had scored early in the game for the visitors but the hosts equalized and were the better side. However, Sam Todd popped up with a late winner for Harps. “Longford are probably the best side in the way they pass the ball with very good movement, that we come up against this season. They won’t fear us and will definitely be coming to Finn Park looking to win the game. Dylan McGlade, Sam Verdon and Chris Mulhall know the League of Ireland scene well and there are plenty of other talented players who will make it very difficult for us. So we need to be focused from the start and not allow Longford to dictate the game.”
Tommy McBride returns to the squad after suspension while new signing Jacob Borg will be in the squad after his international clearance came through earlier in the week. However, Paddy McCourt, Mark Coyle and Adam Duffy are all out due to injuries
Injured: Paddy McCourt, Mark Coyle, Adam Duffy.
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
