Finn Harps -v- Longford Town

FINN HARPS

Peter Hutton’s Finn Harps host First Division leaders Longford Town in Ballybofey on Friday night (kick-off 8pm) with the pressure of being without a win in five league games on their shoulders.

Harps will be without Keith Cowan, Damien McNulty and Thomas McMonagle as they try to get three points against a team they have a good recent home record against, winning the last two.

They drew 2-2 away to Cobh Ramblers in their last outing and, despite getting a point away from home, it was a tough result to take for Hutton.

“It was extremely disappointing to squander a two goal lead and the result felt like a defeat, although it did halt our losing streak,” he told finnharps.com.

“We couldn’t have asked for a more difficult game at this time [than Longford Town] but we must embrace the challenge and look forward to it.

“We are under no illusions as to how difficult this game will be given our injuries and suspensions but we’ll remain positive and hope to give a good account of ourselves as we’ve normally a good record against Longford.”

LONGFORD TOWN

Four points clear at the top of the First Division table, Longford Town travel north having beaten Waterford United 2-1 at the City Calling Stadium.

Keith Gillespie, Michael Lee, Mark Salmon and Willo McDonagh will all be absent but Tony Cousins’ men will fancy their chances. They average better than two goals per game, the best attack in the division, and face a side finding it difficult to keep clean sheets at the moment.

The only inspiration they will need is the memory of their defeat at home to Finn Harps in May, when they were defeated 3-2.

Referee: Simon Rogers

MATCH STATS

None of the last six league games between the sides in Ballybofey have ended in a draw, with Finn Harps winning the last two after Longford Town took three points home four times in a row.

Harps have the same record at home (four wins, two draws, two defeats) as Town have away from home.

Only five players – Sean McCarron, Kevin McHugh, Michael Funston, Keith Cowan and Thomas McMonagle – have scored for Harps in the league this season, and the last two are out for this game.

BETTING

Finn Harps 7/4; Draw 11/5, Longford Town 11/8

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1-2 Longford Town

Finn Harps

Injured: Damien McNulty, Thomas McMonagle

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Keith Cowan

Longford Town

Injured: Keith Gillespie, Mark Salmon, Michael Lee

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Willo McDonagh