League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Shelbourne

With just three league games remaining, Finn Harps will have one eye on next week’s FAI Cup semi-final when they host promotion chasing Shelbourne at Finn Park on Friday evening (kick-off 8.00pm).

FINN HARPS

Despite reaching the semi-final of the Cup, it’s been a disappointing few weeks for Harps in their league campaign as they have watched their slim play-off hopes fizzle away after a trio of defeats against Cobh Ramblers, Shamrock Rovers ‘B’ and Galway FC.

With all his eggs in one basket now in terms of getting something out of the season, Harps manager Ollie Horgan will be using Friday’s game against Shelbourne and the game against Wexford next Tuesday as preparation for the Cup semi-final next week against St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park.

“Shelbourne will be a great preparation match before the Cup semi-final,” said Horgan.  

“While they are behind the standard of St.Pat’s, which isn't an insult to any team, they play a similar type of game, keeping possession with a great range of passing.”

Last weekend Harps suffered their biggest defeat of the season when they lost 3-0 against Galway in Terryland Park.  Horgan said that his side got exactly what they deserved from the game.

“Galway were the better side on Friday,” he said.  “They played good football as they always try to do.

“We didn't deserve anything out of the game with the amount of mistakes we made. While we can use the excuse of two tough games in the previous six days, I still think Galway would have beaten us in the manner they went about their business.”

Horgan knows Friday’s game at Finn Park is going to be another tough affair for his charges.

“We try to get something out of every game but that hasn't happened in last three league games.  Shelbourne, like Galway play great football, with Gary Dempsey setting play up and the pace and ability of the likes of Dylan Connolly getting into crucial areas.

Harps will have to plan without the injured duo of Darragh Black and Packie Mailey.  Aside from that, Horgan has a full squad to choose from.

SHELBOURNE

Shamrock Rovers 'B' were visitors to Tolka Park last weekend and have still not managed to overcome the Reds this season. This game ended in a 3-2 win for Shelbourne, though the home side were leading by three goals (Dempsey, Keegan & Connolly) with ten minutes to go.

The game did have its downside though, with a number of players receiving injuries (Gannon and Murray, both of whom had to be withdrawn) among them. 

Speaking after the Rovers game, Shelbourne manager Johnny McDonnell showed his disappointment at losing the two goals late on. 

"Last ten minutes, the performance wasn't good enough, and you won't get away with that. We had two substitutes that we had to make, that we didn't really want to make and that limited you on the bench, as would have liked to get another couple of lads on. We're disappointed, the players are disappointed but look, we got the three points.

"We go to Finn Harps on Friday and it's going to be a huge game. It's going to be a really difficult game. They're a hard team to beat and have given us lots of problems this year, but we have to prepare this week and see how we are, fitness and injury wise. We'll go up there, it will be difficult, but we'll just have to make sure we get some sort of result." 

McDonnell's injury list is growing with Gregg Murray, Brian Gannon, Simon Dixon, Ryan Robinson and Robbie Gaul joining last week’s absentees of Willo McDonagh, Keith Quinn and Darren Tinnelly. 

Adam O'Connor returns after serving a one match suspension for reaching four yellow cards. 

Referee: S Rogers

MATCH STATS

Harps have failed to beat Shels in any of the three previous meeting this season.  The first meeting at Tolka Park finished in a 2-0 victory for the home side, but the most recent two games have seen 1-1 stalemates.

The last time Finn Harps beat Shels at home was in July of 2007.

Finn Harps have conceded only 21 goals this season, Longford and Galway have only conceded less (19). The problem for Harps is they have only scored 23. Shamrock Rovers B and Cobh have only scored less.

BETTING

Finn Harps 7/2; Draw 12/5; Limerick 8/11

PREDICTION

Shelbourne to win - 2-1. 

Finn Harps:
Injured: Darragh Black, Packie Mailey
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Shelbourne:
Injured:  Darren Tinnelly, Willo McDonagh, Keith Quinn, Gregg Murray, Brian Gannon, Simon Dixon, Ryan Robinson, Robbie Gaul 
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None