Finn Harps -v- Mervue United

FINN HARPS                                                   

The visit of Mervue United to Ballybofey in Friday night’s Airtricity League encounter has all the hallmarks of a mouthwatering clash between two sides gunning for promotion.

Harps’ 3-2 win at Longford Town last week has propelled Peter Hutton’s side into third on the table and the Donegal side will overtake Mervue with a home win.

Naturally, Hutton was delighted with the win over the league leaders as it proved his team has got all the necessary ingredients to be a force this season.

“I thought we were fully deserving of our victory,” said Hutton, “and the performance by every player was pleasing.  As a group we knew it would be difficult but we went about our job with a great focus and determination and thankfully recorded our first away win of the season.”

Looking ahead towards Friday night’s game Hutton was respectful to Mervue but issued a stern warning to the opposition that Harps will be looking for nothing less than a win.

“It will be another difficult encounter. Mervue are playing very well of late and have made a great start to the season so confidence will be high in their camp.

However, we too have had some decent performances of late and the win last week will prove to the players that they are more than a match for anyone in this league when they apply themselves properly.”

MERVUE UNITED

Ryan Manning is the man of the moment down in Galway. The 16 year old opened the scoring in Mervue’s 2-1 win over Waterford United last week, his fourth goal this season and Johnny Glynn had high praise for the striker.

“Ryan Manning is doing very well for us when you consider he is only 16 years of age and has scored four senior goals already. He is an exceptional talent and I don’t know how long we will be able to hold onto him when you think he is two years younger than Sean Maguire (now with West Ham) was last season. He must be the hottest property in the league”.

Manning and co will have to be at their best to come away from Ballybofey with a result as Finn Harps provides the league with the best style of football, in this reporter’s opinion.

Harps came away from Fahy’s Field earlier in the season with a 2-2 draw despite going two goals down in the first half. Led by Kevin McHugh, Harps battled their way back into the game for a well deserved share of the spoils. The Donegal side looks a confident unit under Peter Hutton.

Glynn will once again be without club captain Tom King and the former FAI Cup winning captain is under no illusions as to the task facing his side on Friday.

“We are looking forward to the game which will be a big test for us as they looked one of the strongest teams in the division when they came from two goals down to take a point in Fahy’s Field. They have also beaten leaders Longford twice, home and away, so they are a very good side and it will be tough to get a result”.

Referee: Robert Harvey.

MATCH STATS

There have been 25 goals in six games at Ballybofey; including 12 in last two games

Along with Athlone Town, Harps have the best defensive record in the league conceding only 10 goals

All of Ryan Manning’s four goals have been scored in the opening half of games.

BETTING

Finn Harps 11/10; Draw 11/5; Mervue United 9/4.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-1 Mervue United.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Keith Cowan, Tommy McMonagle, Paul McVeigh
Suspended: None.

Mervue United

Injured: Tom King (hamstring)
Doubtful: Gary Curran
Suspended: None.
Unavailable: Brian O’Donoghue