Mervue Utd AFC -v- Finn Harps FC
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Finn Harps have fared well in their opening two games since their drop back to First Division, recording a win and a draw. This week they travel south to take on League of Ireland newcomers Mervue United, who are yet to put a point on the board this season.
First date
This will be the first ever meeting of the two clubs. Harps were part of a four-way relegation battle in the Premier Division last season and were one of the unlucky three to face the drop. Mervue, meanwhile, made the leap from the A-Championship this year and are enjoying their first ever season at this level.
Hegarty happy
It has been a strong start for the Donegal outfit, and manager Paul Hegarty was impressed after his side found their opening win last week, a 1-0 defeat of Longford Town at Finn Park. "The players worked very hard and certainly matched Longford in the physical stakes for the first hour or so," Hegarty said. "After that, we played some good football and deserved to win the game in the end. It was a good result and it will give some of the young lads that little bit of confidence as they know they can compete at this level."
Harps aware
However, Hegarty was playing down his side's hot favourites' tag in the lead-up to this weekend's game. "They have a few players with league experience," he said. "We’ve had them watched and although they have been beaten in their first couple of games, they’ll really be looking to get some points on the board and we’re expecting a difficult game."
Shaky start
The sun has not been shining so brightly in the west. Mervue have suffered two defeats in their opening two games, although with nine League of Ireland debutantes in their first game against Athlone Town, it is not surprising they have endured a shaky start. "Inexperience and maybe a little bit of nerves," manager John Glynn attributes a portion of the blame to. Last week saw United suffer a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Limerick, the highlight for the Galway club being their first ever goal in the league, scored by captain Eric Browne.
New faces
Glynn is well aware of the weekly battle facing his squad, but said he was not feeling the heat in the slightest. "In our first match against Athlone there were nine players making their League of Ireland debuts and there wouldn't be anyone else in the league who could say that," he said. "We'll probably introduce another one or two this week too. We're improving and we'll continue to do so but there's not great pressure on us. [Harps] will be another big test. I expect them to be, come the end of the season, in the top four."
Team News
Mervue have a number of injury concerns with Nigel Keady waiting on results from a scan on his knee, while Ollie Keogh's broken toe is expected to keep him sidelined. Other worries include a groin strain to Noel McDonnell and Nicky Curran, with Mike Tierney unavailable due to work commitments. Rynal Browne should return to the squad, though, after missing the Limerick match. Harps have had an unchanged side for their first two games but Hegarty may be forced to make a couple of changes, as Ian Rossiter (thigh) and Shaun McGowan (knee) are facing a race to recover in time for the trip. Oisin McMenamin will not be available after picking up a hamstring injury in a midweek friendly.
extratime.ie prediction: Harps to prove too strong. 1-3.
First date
This will be the first ever meeting of the two clubs. Harps were part of a four-way relegation battle in the Premier Division last season and were one of the unlucky three to face the drop. Mervue, meanwhile, made the leap from the A-Championship this year and are enjoying their first ever season at this level.
Hegarty happy
It has been a strong start for the Donegal outfit, and manager Paul Hegarty was impressed after his side found their opening win last week, a 1-0 defeat of Longford Town at Finn Park. "The players worked very hard and certainly matched Longford in the physical stakes for the first hour or so," Hegarty said. "After that, we played some good football and deserved to win the game in the end. It was a good result and it will give some of the young lads that little bit of confidence as they know they can compete at this level."
Harps aware
However, Hegarty was playing down his side's hot favourites' tag in the lead-up to this weekend's game. "They have a few players with league experience," he said. "We’ve had them watched and although they have been beaten in their first couple of games, they’ll really be looking to get some points on the board and we’re expecting a difficult game."
Shaky start
The sun has not been shining so brightly in the west. Mervue have suffered two defeats in their opening two games, although with nine League of Ireland debutantes in their first game against Athlone Town, it is not surprising they have endured a shaky start. "Inexperience and maybe a little bit of nerves," manager John Glynn attributes a portion of the blame to. Last week saw United suffer a 4-1 defeat at the hands of Limerick, the highlight for the Galway club being their first ever goal in the league, scored by captain Eric Browne.
New faces
Glynn is well aware of the weekly battle facing his squad, but said he was not feeling the heat in the slightest. "In our first match against Athlone there were nine players making their League of Ireland debuts and there wouldn't be anyone else in the league who could say that," he said. "We'll probably introduce another one or two this week too. We're improving and we'll continue to do so but there's not great pressure on us. [Harps] will be another big test. I expect them to be, come the end of the season, in the top four."
Team News
Mervue have a number of injury concerns with Nigel Keady waiting on results from a scan on his knee, while Ollie Keogh's broken toe is expected to keep him sidelined. Other worries include a groin strain to Noel McDonnell and Nicky Curran, with Mike Tierney unavailable due to work commitments. Rynal Browne should return to the squad, though, after missing the Limerick match. Harps have had an unchanged side for their first two games but Hegarty may be forced to make a couple of changes, as Ian Rossiter (thigh) and Shaun McGowan (knee) are facing a race to recover in time for the trip. Oisin McMenamin will not be available after picking up a hamstring injury in a midweek friendly.
extratime.ie prediction: Harps to prove too strong. 1-3.
