League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Shamrock Rovers B

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will be looking to end a winless run of five games when they welcome Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ to Ballybofey on Friday night in the SSE Airtricity First Division, kick off at 8pm.

Harps have not won a game since hammering Cobh Ramblers at the Donegal venue in late March. Draws with Galway FC and Wexford Youths have kept their home record somewhat intact. However, on the road, Harps have only one victory, the 0-3 win over Friday’s opposition.

In team news, Tommy Bonner is available for selection again after missing last week’s trip to Waterford through suspension.  Keith Cowan serves the third game of his four match ban while Kevin McHugh (hamstring) remains sidelined.  Ruairi Keating picked up a knock in Waterford and will be assessed before Friday’s game.

Looking ahead to the game, Harps boss Ollie Horgan knows Rovers B have improved significantly since their win at Tallaght in March.

“Shamrock Rovers have improved a lot since we played them last March, so Friday's game will be very difficult,” said Horgan.  “They have beaten both Longford and Cobh in last couple of weeks and will prove tough opposition for us.”

SHAMROCK ROVERS ‘B’

The reservists of Shamrock Rovers head to the north east with two recent wins from three in the bag. Both home wins over Longford Town and Cobh Ramblers, respectively, prove the Dublin outfit are worthy of a slot in the First Division.

Colin Hawkins’ troop’s form away from Tallaght has been nowhere near as strong and, they are still without a win with four games gone, although they have managed two scoreless draws.

Rovers B were given a rude awakening on their second outing in the league with a crushing 0-3 defeat at the hands of Harps at Tallaght Stadium. Goals from Harps’ Keith Cowan, a penalty by Michael Funston and a stunning strike from star man Pat McCann gave Hawkins much to muse about in his first season as coach in the first division.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

So far, Harps’ only away win was over Shamrock Rovers ‘B’

Rovers ‘B’ are still looking for their maiden away win in Division one.

BETTING

Finn Harps 4/5; Draw 12/5; Shamrock Rovers B 3/1

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-0 Shamrock Rovers B

Finn Harps

Injured: Kevin McHugh (hamstring)

Doubtful: Ruairi Keating

Suspended: Keith Cowan

Shamrock Rovers ‘B’

Injured: Not Available

Doubtful: Not Available

Suspended: Not Available