Finn Harps -v- Cobh Ramblers

FINN HARPS

A cup run is, being realistic, all that Finn Harps have left to play for this season. Fifth in the table and nine points off the play-offs, the Donegal side are destined for a steady but non-spectacular middle of the road finish.

Yet a third round tie at home to Cobh Ramblers - notoriously porous on the road since rejoining the league at the beginning of the season - provides them with a cause for optimism. It would take something special, and quite a slice of fortune along the way, for Harps to make it all the way to the final but a first quarter-final in a decade is certainly within their reach. 

The form guide tells you that Harps are on a curious run of LWLWL. Inconsistent as that looks, both Ws came in home games - against Wexford Youths and Salthill Devon, two of the three sides below them in the league with Cobh being the other. They also kept clean-sheets in both, though the most recent defeat did come at Finn Park against Waterford United.

Indeed Harps have lost just four of their 14 games in Ballybofey this year, including a comprehensive 4-1 win over Friday’s visitors back in March - the other two games have been 2-2 draws - and with a full squad to choose from, manager Peter Hutton is in optimistic mood.

“The cup game is now even more important to ensure our season stays alive,” said Hutton.  “We know given that we are at home that most people will view us as favourites but I know Cobh will come with no fear and actually fancy their chances of progressing also.

“They have brought in a few new, more experienced players during the summer window, players like Craig Burns so they will be given due respect. Cobh are a team that will create chances given they possess the talents of Davin O’Neil, Martin Deady and Kynan Rocks and so will pose a threat.  We have had good battles with Cobh over the season and I see this as being no different. 

“We need to ensure that we are focused and determined to get the job done and if it takes a last minute winner then so be it, as it’s all about progressing to the next round.”

COBH RAMBLERS

As alluded to already, Cobh have not exactly shone on the road this year.

Rewinding back to the very beginning of the campaign, Ramblers manager Dave Hill had one goal: not to finish bottom of the table. As things stand, they are six points ahead of Salthill Devon in the battle to beat the basement thanks to a decent run of form at home.

But they haven’t won a league game away from home yet and their only triumph outside of St Colman’s Park was the previous round of the cup against non-league St Patrick’s CY. That doesn’t bode well ahead of Friday night’s game. Their three meetings to date have produced 13 goals and plenty of goalmouth action could be expected again on that basis on Friday.

However, clichéd as it sounds, the trip to the deepest north-west for a part-time side is a huge burden - especially when you’re coming from the south-east of Cork - and that will likely give Harps the edge. 

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH FACTS

This will be the third FAI Cup meeting between these two, but the first at Finn Park. The previous two were held in 1981 and 1983 in Cobh with both sides winning a quarter-final each (Harps in 81 and Cobh in 83).

Still a part of the Munster Senior League at that time, Ramblers met eventual winners Sligo Rovers in the 83 semi-final but it took a third replay for the tie to eventually be decided.

Sean McCarron is Finn Harps’ top scorer this season with eight goals in all competitions, one coming in the cup, but Cobh’s biggest contributor was Conor Meade, now at Waterford, who plundered 11 goals in 12 games before moving Suirside.

BETTING

Finn Harps 10/11; Draw 5/2; Cobh Ramblers 3/1.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-0 Cobh Ramblers

FINN HARPS

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

COBH RAMBLERS

Injured: Unknown.
Doubtful: Unknown.
Suspended: None.