FOOTBALL: Finn Harps officials are urging supporters to row in behind Ollie Horgan and his side ahead of a crucial home fixture against Shamrock Rovers.
Harps have endured a tough period, and suffered a humiliating 5-0 derby defeat to North-West rivals Derry City last time out at Finn Park.
Supporters will be expecting a reaction on Friday night, but Shamrock Rovers come into this clash on the back of a good 5-0 win over Athlone Town in the FAI Senior Cup.
It’s been a tough month on the field for Ollie Horgan and Finn Harps so it’s going to take a huge amount of mental strength to bounce back with a positive result against one of the biggest club’s in League of Ireland football Shamrock Rovers this Friday night in Ballybofey (kick-off 8.00).
It’s now the manager and the players need the fans support to get back on track to secure the club’s Premier Division status for next season. So getting behind the team with a big turnout of supporters is what is needed against the famous Dublin outfit.
Horgan has worked tremendously hard to put a squad together, on a very tight budget, capable of competing in the Premier Division this season. Travelling to watch opponents all over the country when Harps are not playing has been part of the manager’s brief all season as he strives to keep his team in the top flight.
The draw against Shamrock Rovers at the end of May in Tallaght signalled the start of a crucial run of results that included wins over Sligo Rovers, Longford Town and Galway United. The importance of those 10 points cannot be underestimated but it’s going to take a big shift now to secure the team’s place in the Premier Division with eleven league fixtures remaining.
The games between Harps and Shamrock Rovers have been very close this season. On the 14th of March at Finn Park the hosts were unlucky to lose 1-0 against the side then managed by Pat Fenlon with Gary McCabe getting the game’s only goal in the 70th minute from the penalty spot. The two sides then drew 1-1 at the end of May in Tallaght with Dave Scully getting the equalizer for the visitors early in the second half. So it’s yet another huge game for Ollie Horgan and the team who deserve the backing of a big home support on this Friday night at Finn Park (kick-off 8.00).