Shaun McGowan makes his 200th appearance for Finn Harps as the top two in the First Division go head-to-head at Finn Park on Saturday evening when Longford Town come to Donegal (kick-off 7.45pm).
Longford visit Finn Park in top spot, and are the only team still with a 100% record after two games. Harps sit just behind them on four points and followed up their opening day draw in Waterford with a 4-1 demolition of Cobh Ramblers last Friday night in Ballybofey.
“I was delighted to get the three points and start off our season at home with a positive result and overall a decent performance,” said Harps boss Peter Hutton after the game.
“In general, I thought the team worked extremely hard and competed well against a good Cobh side. First half we started very bright and soared into an early two goal lead but then conceded a sloppy goal to allow Cobh back into the game.
“We responded really well though and scored again to extend our lead and that I believe was an important goal to dampen Cobh’s spirits prior to half-time. Second half I thought we were very good and dominated the half and should have won more comfortably but I was happy to get the season up and running.”
Although Harps were comfortable winners in the end, Cobh could have scored on a couple of occasions before their goal did eventually arrive. However, Hutton said he was well aware of the threats of the visiting strikeforce.
“Of course it’s a worry when we are conceding chances, but realistically I knew that Cobh would possess a goal threat given the quality of their front two of Davin O’Neil and Connor Meade,” said Hutton. “Also their wide players of Martin Deady and young Alan O’Flynn will create and score goals no doubt over the course of the season but second half I thought we dealt with that threat extremely well.”
Hutton is full of praise for Saturday’s visitors to Finn Park, and believes the Longford men are one of the favourites for the one automatic promotion spot on offer from this season’s First Division. He is, however, looking forward to the task of taking on Tony Cousin’s side at the weekend.
“We as a group are looking forward to the game and again it should be a good battle with both teams full of confidence,” he said. “I attended their recent game against Waterford and was impressed by how they responded after going a goal behind to come back to win the game which showed good character.
“Longford are also a physically big side and will pose a threat from set pieces so we will need to be on our guard. They have recruited well in the off season bringing in players such as Corrie Treacy, Willie Tyrell, Brian Mc Carthy and goalkeeper Chris Bennion to strengthen their defensive options but have also signed quality players like forwards David O’Sullivan and Michael Ischael, whilst players of the calibre of Keith Gillespie and Willo McDonagh and Gary Shaw remain.
“They have gathered a formidable squad and don’t hide the fact that anything less than promotion will be seen as a poor season. In saying that though we ourselves are focuse6d on our own game and will hope to build on the good start to the season we’ve had. We are certainly looking forward to the game and will relish the challenge.”
Harps may have to plan without Sean McCarron, who has scored three goals in the opening two games of the season, while Paul McVeigh is also a doubt.
“Sean picked up an ankle injury against Cobh and is now a doubt for the weekend. As of yet he hasn’t trained this week and will receive treatment throughout the week to give him a realistic chance of making it but at the moment he’s certainly doubtful. Paul McVeigh is also struggling with a stomach bug and had to withdraw from training as a result so again he’ll be monitored over the week.”
Harps have finished all three games this season strongly – two in the league, and the EA Sports League Cup game against the Mayo League – and have scored second six second half goals in those three games. Hutton said it’s all down to the hard work that his players put in during pre-season.
“In both games, firstly against Waterford and then last week against Cobh I thought our second half performances were very good and I believe that is a testament to the players’ fitness levels. I spoke to the players about that aspect of our game and how this should merely reinforce the fact that already, so early in the season, they can see for themselves the benefits of their hard work and commitment thus far.
“The players attitude to training both on the field and in the gym with the guys from Optimal Fitness has been first class and I’m delighted for them that they can now see that that level of commitment is a necessity if we are to be successful and there are already signs of it bearing fruit.”
Longford Town have won on just eight of their 38 visits to Finn Park since the teams first met in 1982 – however, four of those victories have come in their last five trips to Ballybofey. The last meeting between the two sides was in the final game of last season, when Kevin McHugh’s goal was the only difference between the sides.
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TEAM NEWS
Suspended: Thomas McBride (automatic red card suspension)
Doubtful: Sean McCarron (ankle), Paul McVeigh (stomach bug).
Injured: Ciaran Coll (cartilage tear).
Form Guide (last six league games)
Finn Harps: D-L-L-W-D-W (8 pts)
Longford Town: L-L-L-L-W-W (6 pts)
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Last six home games against Longford Town
14-May-10 – Finn Harps 2-0 Longford Town (First Division)
22-Apr-11 – Finn Harps 1-2 Longford Town (First Division)
06-Jun-11 – Finn Harps 0-1 Longford Town (FAI Cup)
08-Oct-11 – Finn Harps 1-2 Longford Town (First Division)
23-Jun-12 – Finn Harps 1-3 Longford Town (First Division)
13-Oct-12 – Finn Harps 1-0 Longford Town (First Division)
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Finn Harps Goalscorers 2013
Sean McCarron – 3
Kevin McHugh – 2
Thomas McBride – 1 (in League Cup)
Matt Harkin – 1 (in League Cup)
James Doherty – 1 (in League Cup)
Marc Brolly – 1 (in League Cup)
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Finn Harps Results 2013 (Harps goalscorers in brackets)
15-Mar-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 4-1 Cobh Ramblers (McCarron 2, McHugh 2)
08-Mar-2013 – AL – Waterford United 1-1 Finn Harps (McCarron)
03-Mar-2013 – LC – Mayo League 1-4 Finn Harps (Harkin, Doherty, Brolly, McBride)
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