Finn Harps, a team that was tipped for relegation at the start of the season by the pundits, is still in a very strong position to stay in the Premier Division.
Ollie Horgan’s side was given little chance of survival in the top flight but the part-time outfit has battled against the odds to be five points clear of second from bottom Wexford Youths.
But the time now has come to make sure of safety by defeating bottom of the table Longford Town tonight at Finn Park.
Ollie Horgan and his squad has been focusing on this crucial clash since Tuesday and a game plan has been fine-tuned that will hopefully deliver the three points against the Midlanders. It’s been a tough time for the manager and players, who really need the presence of a big home crowd tonight to get a positive result.
A victory in Ballybofey and defeat for Wexford would put Harps eight points ahead. That would be a significant advantage with eight league fixtures remaining.
The part-time players and manager have given a huge commitment all season. In the past couple of months physically and mentally that has taken its toll so Horgan says everyone associated with the team needs the lift that the home fans can give them tonight.
“Tonight is a huge game for us as it is for Longford who are coming to Finn Park looking for a victory that might give them a chance of avoiding automatic relegation. Wexford Youths also have a very big match at home to Derry City. So for us and those two teams, the importance of tonight is massive.
“The players will give it everything on the pitch and they want to see a big support there and be vocal to try and give us the edge and that bit of luck to get the three points.’
In teams news Damian McNulty remains absent due a knee injury while striker Ruairi Keating is also out after he was withdrawn on Monday night at Oriel Park with concussion. Adam Hanlon is rated doubtful but on a more positive note Ethan Boyle returns after serving a one-match ban while Barry Molloy and Sean Houston are available after not taking any part in Monday night’s match against the league champions. U19 players B.J. Banda and Mark Coyle will also be with the senior squad for tonight’s match.
Harps have already defeated Longford twice this season. At the end of March a second half Ryan Curran penalty was enough to decide the outcome at Finn Park. Goals in either half from Josh Mailey and Tony McNamee made it a 2-0 win for Horgan’s side at the City Calling Stadium in late June. Kick-off time tonight in Ballybofey is 8.00.
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