League Preview: Waterford United -v- Finn Harps
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Unbeaten First Division sides Waterford United and Finn Harps face each other in a 7.45pm kick-off at the RSC.
WATERFORD UNITED
Waterford have started their season off positively this year with two comeback performances against strong sides. Their opening fixture saw them score in the final minutes to secure a 1-1 draw with Athlone Town, before last week they won 2-1 against Wexford Youths.
Waterford boss Tommy Griffin was happy with the players’ attitude during the win over their local rivals. He said to waterford-united.ie, “They could have put their heads down after conceding so early in the game but they didn’t and they continued to keep their discipline and the game plan that we set out.” He added that he was “delighted for his players” to win against Wexford.
The Waterford manager was full of praise for his own youths, including goalscorer Shane Dineen, saying he “was superb and you have to remember he is only 19 years old.” He then went on to say that, “Dean Reidy is another player who did really well when he came on and he has come through our Under 19 team. Matthew Connor, the goalkeeper, is also playing Under-19 football for the club.” He believed that “the future is bright for Waterford United”
Waterford will be missing Bobbi Donoghue for the match, while Craig Burns and Dylan Mernagh are doubts for the game against Finn Harps. Griffin said that “there’s no doubt Ollie will have them well prepared,” before he finished, “In saying that, we’re confident that we can compete with every team in this league and we’ll be looking to carry our performance from last week into this Friday.”
FINN HARPS
Finn Harps, like Waterford, sit on four points at top end of the table and are yet to concede a goal in the league. They had an opening day 0-0 draw against Shelbourne, before they won 2-0 at home to the newcomers Cabinteely, with Ruairi Keating getting both goals for the Donegal side.
Manager Ollie Horgan told finnharps.com that he “was glad to get the win on Friday night.” He felt they had overcome a good side, saying that, “The early goal was a huge help to us but Cabinteely were always dangerous from set pieces and on the break,” before adding, “They will prove to be very difficult opposition to us and a lot more teams in the season ahead.”
Despite Keating scoring twice, Horgan didn’t think it was an open end game. He said, “We really hadn't too many chances until after second goal when Cabinteely pushed men forward and left space to try to exploit at the back,” before feeling proud of his players, saying, “I felt that all fourteen lads that played made a contribution which doesn't always happen.”
Defender Packie Mailey is still out, while striker Ruairi Keating is a doubt for the clash with Waterford. Horgan feels Waterford will have the home advantage, as he said, “We worked hard as a group last Friday against Cabinteely in front of a very encouraging home support. However, it is more difficult to repeat this away from home in places like Waterford this Friday with their home support and quality.”
Referee: David Keeler
MATCH STATS
In last season’s four games, Finn Harps won twice in the latter stages of the season, 2-0 away in August and 1-0 at home in June, while Waterford won once, 2-0 at home in April. The other game finished 0-0.
Waterford have earned six yellow cards in their opening two fixtures, while Finn Harps have only the one booking for Keith Cowan.
BETTING
Waterford United 7/5; Draw 11/5; Finn Harps 17/10.
PREDICTION
Waterford 1-1 Finn Harps
Waterford United
Injured: Bobbi Donoghue
Doubtful: Dylan Mernagh, Craig Burns
Suspended: None
Finn Harps
Injured: Packie Mailey
Doubtful: Ruairi Keating
Suspended: None
