Finn Harps boss Ollie Horgan hopes the typical cliche of ‘form goes out the window before a derby’ holds firm this weekend as his side host Derry City at Finn Park.
The game was rearranged from today (Friday) to Sunday at 6pm due to Derry’s European commitments.
Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side were defeated home and away by Riga FC in their Conference League first round qualifier, meaning their short European campaign has come to an abrupt end.
But Horgan believes the standard Derry are playing at will give his side plenty of problems.
The harps manager said: “Hopefully because our form has been poor and Derry’s form has been very good, especially last night out in Latvia, and we’re hoping form goes out the window because if it doesn’t it could be a long day.”
Horgan added: “We’re hanging on by a thread, but long may it continue that we’re playing Derry City.
“They’re coming out of Europe against serious opposition and they’ll be playing at a high level and a high tempo and we know if we’re not right we’ll get nothing out of it.
Despite Derry facing Riga in Latvia less than 72 hours before Sunday’s kick-off time, Horgan believes it can be more of a help than a hinderance to the Candystripes.
“We’ve found teams coming out of Europe were very sharp and at a slightly higher level and that’s a bit worrying.”
The Harps manager also praised the Finn Harps fans for their backing during the difficult run the side has been on.
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