Finn Harps will take a break from league action on Monday evening when they face neighbours Derry City in the EA Sports League Cup at Finn Park (kick-off 7.45pm).
Sean McCarron against Mervue on Friday night
Harps recorded back-to-back victories against the top two in the First Division by beating Mervue United at Finn Park on Friday night last.
The result has lifted Harps up to second spot in the table with the only goal of the game coming via a wonder strike from Sean McCarron in first half injury time, who has now scored in three successive games.
“I thought we fully deserved the victory,” said Harps boss Peter Hutton after Friday’s victory over Mervue.
“First half I thought we dominated possession and created a few chances but it took a fantastic strike from Sean McCarron to get us in front. Second half Mervue changed their shape and really went for it but a combination of sheer determination, focus and great resilience coupled with a bit of fortune allowed us to claim an important victory.”
Hutton was full of praise for goalscorer McCarron. “Sean has been doing really well of late but still has a lot to learn. His goal against Mervue was a top quality strike and merely demonstrates the capability Sean possesses but he too will be the first to admit that talent doesn’t guarantee success and if he is to continue to develop then he also has to have a great work ethic. Sean will be a big player for us this year and hopefully beyond.”
Another player that Hutton was quick to acknowledge is goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher who produced a great save in the final minute to keep the scoreline at 1-0. “Again Ciaran was great when called upon,” said Hutton. “For long spells he was a spectator but his growing maturity and experience ensured he remained focused and made a great save that helped us gain the 3 points.
“Clean sheets as I said before are the bedrock of success and I’ve been pleased how we’ve defended as a team but again there is certainly room for improvement.”
With Michael Funston sitting out Monday’s game due to suspension, the Harps boss has also hinted that he may make a further change or two for the visit of the Candystripes as he keeps one eye firmly on next weekend’s league game in Wexford.
“Monday’s game will be an extremely tough game with them flying high in the Premier division and on the back of a great result away to Drogheda. However the First Division itself is a very tough league and there are no easy games so we will continue to look forward to the next challenge and hope to give a good account of ourselves.
“We will assess the players over the weekend as a few are struggling from the Mervue game with knocks and bumps so there will certainly be changes.
“Of course it would be great to progress to the next round (of the league cup) and we will strive to do that but I’m sure most fans would rather we get promoted or at least have a chance of gaining promotion rather than merely progressing in a league cup game.
“We will go out to win the game no doubt and will field a team I feel capable of getting us a result but we also have to balance the long journey coming on Friday away to Wexford and those struggling with injuries from Mervue.”
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TEAM NEWS
Suspended: Michael Funston
Doubtful: Paul McVeigh (knee).
Injured: None.
Form Guide (last six league games)
Finn Harps: L-W-L-D-W-W (10 pts)
Derry City: W-D-W-L-L-W (10 pts)
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Last six home games against Derry City
10-Dec-03 – Finn Harps 0-0 Derry City (Promotion/Relegation Play-Off)
16-Apr-05 – Finn Harps 0-2 Derry City (Premier Division)
07-Oct-05 – Finn Harps 0-1 Derry City (Premier Division)
18-Aug-07 – Finn Harps 0-1 Derry City (FAI Cup)
27-May-08 – Finn Harps 0-2 Derry City (Premier Division)
30-Jul-10 – Finn Harps 1-1 Derry City (First Division)
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Finn Harps Goalscorers 2013
Kevin McHugh – 6
Sean McCarron – 6
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)
17-May-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 1-0 Mervue United (McCarron)
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)
LC – League Cup. AL – Airtricity League.
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