Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan has flagged his concern over the scoring threat that Galway United pose ahead of this Saturday evening’s League of Ireland Premier Division game at Eamonn Deacy Park (kick-off 7.00).
Despite the defeat to Cork City on Tuesday night at Turner’s Cross the Tribesmen scored three goals against a side renowned for their defensive strengths as well as still being challengers for the league title.
Since that game, however, Galway have parted company with their manager Tommy Dunne so it will be interesting to see what impact that has on the home team’s performance against Harps.
Often it has a positive effect so the visitors will have to be very vigilant at the back as they try to get a at least a point after the recent eight-match losing run.
“Galway have a very good, footballing side. They also have one of the best players in the league in Ryan Connolly. Galway scored three goals in Cork last week and two in Tallaght which very few teams do” said Horgan whose side hasn’t found the net in the last eight matches.
Damian McNulty (knee) is not ready return this weekend according to the manager while he will also be missing Adam Hanlon who shipped a very heavy knock in the recent game against Cork City at Finn Park. Barry Molloy and Gareth Harkin are doubtful while Josh Mailey is unavailable due to college commitments in the UK.
The record from the previous league games this season is a win each. Galway took the three points in April with a second half Vinny Faherty goal. In Ballybofey at the beginning of July it was a second half Sean Houston goal that gave Harps a 1-0 victory. That was the club’s last points in the Premier Division so it would be a huge relief if the visitors could get either a draw or a win at Eamonn Deacy Park tomorrow evening.
Team News
Injured: Damien McNulty, Adam Hanlon
Doubtful: Barry Molloy, Gareth Harkin
Unavailable: Josh Mailey
Suspended: None
RECORD AGAINST GALWAY (All Competitions)
Friday’s game will be the 68th meeting of the two clubs, and the 35th to be played in Galway. This includes meetings with Galway United, Galway FC and Galway Rovers.
Total Games: 67 (34 in Galway)
Harps Wins: 21 (8 in Galway)
Galway Wins: 26 (15 in Galway)
Draws: 20 (13 in Galway)
Harps Goals: 99 (53 in Galway
Galway Goals: 115 (69 in Galway)
LAST 10 GAMES v GALWAY
13-Jun-09 Finn Harps 0-3 Galway United (FAI Cup)
29-Mar-14 Finn Harps 1-1 Galway FC (First Division)
05-May-14 Galway FC 1-0 Finn Harps (League Cup)
16-May-14 Galway FC 1-1 Finn Harps (First Division)
18-Jul-14 Finn Harps 0-0 Galway FC (First Division)
20-Sep-14 Galway FC 3-0 Finn Harps (First Division)
09-Mar-15 Galway United 3-2 Finn Harps (League Cup)
08-Apr-16 Galway United 1-0 Finn Harps (Premier Division)
18-Apr-16 Galway United 0-0 Finn Harps (4-2 on penalties) (League Cup)
8-Jul-16 Finn Harps 1-0 Galway United (Premier Division)