After last week’s victory over league leaders Longford Town at the City Calling Stadium, Finn Harps can climb to second place on Friday if they can beat Mervue United at Finn Park (kick-off 8.00pm).
The 3-2 win in Longford was the second time that Harps have beaten the First Division favourites this season – the only two defeats that Longford have recorded in 2013.
Harps boss Peter Hutton was obviously delighted with his side on Saturday.
“I thought we were fully deserving of our victory,” said Hutton, “and the performance by every player was pleasing. As a group we knew it would be difficult but we went about our job with a great focus and determination and thankfully recorded our first away win of the season.”
Hutton though was disappointed that his team conceded two goals, especially as they came so late in the game.
“We were really disappointed as not only was it poor defensively but it took the gloss of what was a fantastic win. We allowed ourselves to sit back far too deep and invited Longford on and with them being such a big side they were always going to get chances. We have to learn from that scenario and be prepared for a similar situation if and when it arises, although if we were 3-0 up with two minutes to go every week I’d certainly be a happy manager.”
On Friday, Harps welcome a Mervue United team to Finn Park who sit just one point ahead of them on the league table.
“It will be another difficult encounter. Mervue are playing very well of late and have made a great start to the season so confidence will be high in their camp. However, we too have had some decent performances of late and the win last week will prove to the players that they are more than a match for anyone in this league when they apply themselves properly. We will look forward to the game as Mervue also like to attack teams given the players within their squad and that suits us.”
Harps have a few injuries worries ahead of Friday’s game, especially in the centre of defence.
“Keith Cowan is struggling with an ankle injury he sustained during the Longford game and had to leave the ground on crutches but we’ll assess him over the next few days but at the moment he’d be doubtful,” said Hutton. “Tommy McMonagle is another struggling; he came back and played against Longford but had to retire early as he aggravated his foot injury again. Paul McVeigh hasn’t trained all week either with a knee complaint and would be doubtful.”
Going on the previous six visits of Mervue to Finn Park, goals should be guaranteed on Friday – there have been 25 in the last half a dozen games in Ballybofey, with 12 in the two games here last season.
The earlier season meeting ended in a 2-2 draw between the sides at Fahy’s Field. Ryan Mannering and Brendan Lavelle gave the home side a 2-0 half-time lead, but Harps came back in the second half through goals from Thomas McMonagle and a Kevin McHugh penalty. Mannering had the chance to win the game for Mervue twenty minutes from time when they were awarded their own penalty, but his spot-kick was well saved by Ciaran Gallagher.
After Friday’s game, Harps are back in action again three days later when they host Derry City in the EA Sports Cup 2nd Round on Monday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).
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TEAM NEWS
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Tommy McMonagle (foot), Keith Cowan (ankle), Paul McVeigh (knee).
Injured: None.
Form Guide (last six league games)
Finn Harps: D-L-W-L-D-W (8 pts)
Longford Town: D-L-W-D-D-W (9 pts)
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Last six home games against Mervue United
05-Jun-09 – Finn Harps 2-0 Mervue United (First Division)
07-May-10 – Finn Harps 2-3 Mervue United (First Division)
30-Oct-10 – Finn Harps 4-0 Mervue United (First Division)
06-Aug-11 – Finn Harps 2-0 Mervue United (First Division)
10-Mar-12 – Finn Harps 4-3 Mervue United (First Division)
07-Jul-12 – Finn Harps 3-2 Mervue United (First Division)
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Finn Harps Goalscorers 2013
Kevin McHugh – 6
Sean McCarron – 5
Thomas McMonagle – 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)
11-May-2013 – AL – Longford Town 2-3 Finn Harps (McCarron, McHugh, McDonagh og.)
04-May-2013 – AL – Cobh Ramblers 2-2 Finn Harps (McHugh, McCarron)
26-Apr-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 0-1 Waterford United
19-Apr-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 1-0 Salthill Devon (McMonagle)
12-Apr-2013 – AL – Athlone Town 1-0 Finn Harps
05-Apr-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 0-0 Wexford Youths
29-Mar-2013 – AL – Mervue United 2-2 Finn Harps (McMonagle, McHugh)
23-Mar-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 1-0 Longford Town (McHugh)
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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