Finn Harps -v- Waterford United

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps are at home to Waterford United on Friday night and they’ll be looking to resurrect their charge for promotion as they are currently eight points off second place and a further thirteen points off the league leaders Athlone Town.

Harps boss Peter Hutton believes that only victory will do on Friday in order to remain in with a chance of snatching a playoff spot by the end of the season. “I suppose a lot of people will look at it like that and yes if we really wish to claw back those ahead of us, like Waterford, then of course we really need the three points,” he told the club’s website. 

Last week Harps claimed a 2-0 win over bottom club Salthill Devon although not even this has fully eased the manager’s worries. “I thought we thoroughly deserved the win and to be honest was a bit disappointed we didn’t score a few more to help improve our goal difference deficit but I suppose getting the 3 points was the most important thing,”

Hutton believes his side have now turned a corner. “I certainly hope so, keeping a clean sheet is critical in this league so I was delighted we did so again. The two home wins have definitely helped the boys’ confidence levels and we look forward to the challenge of Waterford this week.”

Harps will be without Mark Forker, scorer of both goals in last week’s win, for the match against Waterford as he is suspended after accumulating four yellow cards. Tommy McMonagle and Michael Funston are also doubtful for the game after coming off early against Salthill Devon. Damien McNulty remains injured.

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United head to Finn Harps in the hope of closing the gap on the league leaders, Athlone Town, with only five points separating them. Waterford are currently on an unbeaten streak as they have gone five games without losing. 

Waterford United were boosted by an important 1-0 win at home against Cobh Ramblers last week, courtesy of recent signing Conor Meade’s goal. Speaking after the game, Gavin Kavanagh told waterfordunited.ie, “It was a big win for us to be honest. We knew that we needed to win the game, with the top two playing each other, so we’re delighted that we got the job done from our point of view.” 

Conor Meade is hoping that the club continue the momentum of the promotion push into Friday’s game with Harps, “We have to remain focused as a group of players and look forward to the next game against Finn Harps next week. It’s a key game for us because we need to start the last series of matches on a winning note,” he told the website. “We know that we’re capable of winning promotion, so hopefully now we can push on from the result tonight and bring it forward to Finn Harps.” 

Waterford will be without defenders Michael Coady and Gavin O’Donovan and midfielder Peter White as they all miss out due to injury. Seamus Long is also suspended for the match. 

Referee: Rob Harvey.

MATCH FACTS

In the three games they’ve played against each other this season, Waterford United have won two with the other drawn.

Finn Harps have only lost twice at home this season, although it was Athlone and Waterford that were the teams that came away with the wins.

Out of their ten away games this season, Waterford have won six and lost four.

BETTING

Finn Harps 9/5; Draw 21/10; Waterford United 5/4.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1-2 Waterford United

Finn Harps

Injured: Damien McNulty (Foot).
Doubtful: Tommy McMonagle (Groin), Michael Funston (Hamstring).
Suspended: Mark Forker.

Waterford United

Injured: Michael Coady (Knee), Peter White (Ankle), Gavin O’Donovan (Ankle).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Seamus Long.