League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Cabinteely FC

FINN HARPS

Without a league win in 2015, Finn Harps will be eager to get three points on the board when they welcome new boys Cabinteely to Finn Park. Kick-off is set for 8.00 pm.

Following up their scoreless draw against Shelbourne in their season opener, they travelled to Eamonn Deacy Park, where they fell to a 3-2 defeat against Galway United in the cup.

However, the Donegal-based club have always been a tenacious bunch and will look to bounce back with a home win this Friday, despite the fact that Ollie Horgan is likely to be more than wary of the threat the visitors pose.

Indeed, speaking ahead of the clash, he affirmed those concerns.

“Any team managed by Eddie Gormley and Dave Mackey will be at the standard,” Horgan said in the build-up.

“That was shown in their first two games, beating Wexford and UCD without conceding a goal. They have a few ex-Bray players that would have played in the Premier Division including Shane O Neill, Ger Pender and Rob Maloney. This will be a very difficult game for us, as all games in the First Division will be,” he concluded.

CABINTEELY FC

Off to a flying start already, Cabinteely have really taken everyone by surprise with the results they've enjoyed to date.

Winning both of their clashes in the First Division and the EA Sports Cup, they have ensured a fairytale beginning to their campaign, shaking off the moniker of a club simply there to make up the numbers.

Now, they are a dangerous opponent, and one of the most in-form teams in the country, but without home support – and a broken up pitch - to help them suffocate opposing teams' style of play - this Friday could very well see themselves fall to their first defeat of the season.

Still, don't expect them to lie down, as two hard-working sides go head-to-head in what's likely to be a disorganised, albeit exciting encounter.

Referee: Marc Lynch

MATCH STATS

There's a little bit of history in this one as it will be the first-ever meeting between the two sides.

Between them so far, in all competitions, they have scored a total of four goals, with three collective clean sheets to show as well.

BETTING

Finn Harps 8/15; Draw 5/2; Cabinteely 5/21
 

PREDICTION

No doubt, this will be as entertaining as it is scrappy, and if Cabinteely can persist with their positive approach, there are points to be stolen. That said, Harps have more experience so they should cancel each other out. A final score of 1-1.

Finn Harps

Injured: Packie Mailey
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None

Cabinteely FC

Injured: Unavailable
Doubtful: Unavailable
Suspensions: None