League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Athlone Town

Finn Harps will be aiming to collect maximum points against Athlone Town on Friday evening to ensure they remain top of the SSE Airtricity First Division table, while the visitors will be hoping they can continue to make up ground on the sides above them. Kick-off at Finn Park is 8.00 pm.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps return to Ballybofey after suffering their third away defeat of the season when they lost 1-0 to UCD in Belfield last Sunday.

It was the league leaders' fourth defeat in their last seven games and speaking to finnharps.com, manager Ollie Horgan admitted that he felt the Students were worth the victory.

“We really didn't deserve anything out of the game,” said Horgan. “It was a game of few half-chances but to be fair to Robbie Benson he took his chance excellently.”

Despite the defeat to Collie O'Neill's Europa League heroes, Wexford Youths' 3-1 reverse at the hands of Athlone Town last Friday meant that Harps maintained their single point advantage at the top of the table.

With the best home record in the First Division having lost just one league game in Ballybofey this season, Horgan will be hoping that Finn Park remains a fortress in the second-half of the season. However, the former Fanad United manager is wary of an Athlone side which has scalped the top two already this season as they continue to show signs of life under the guidance of Alan Mathews.

“Athlone have already beaten us and had another very good win against Wexford last time out, playing most of the game with 10 men," said Horgan.

“Aiden Friel has been very impressive for them and they have very talented young lads in Gavin Boyne, Patrick Dunican and Sam O’Connor added to the experience Philip Gorman, Aidan Collins and Brian Shortall.”

Harps will be without key men Thomas McMonagle and Keith Cowan for the clash, while Packie Mailey is doubtful. With just nine games remaining and 27 points left to play for, Horgan believes the promotion race is too close to call.

“I genuinely haven't a clue what way the remainder of the season will go for us or indeed for any of the other sides. We need to improve to stay in with a chance of staying high up the table.”

ATHLONE TOWN

Athlone Town make the long trip to Donegal brewing with confidence after an impressive 3-1 victory over second-placed Wexford Youths last week – a result earned despite the Midlanders playing more than 70 minutes of the match with ten men.

Daniel Purdy was shown a straight red card in the 19th minute, but Athlone had already built up an early two-goal lead thanks to strikes from hero-turned-villain Purdy and Gavin Boyne.

A third goal from Philip Gorman before the break – his ninth in the league this season – ensured Alan Mathews' side picked up their first victory in three games after heavy back-to-back defeats to Cobh Ramblers (4-1) and Shelbourne (3-1).

If Athlone are to cause an upset for the second week running, they must ensure that they keep their discipline as they have had one player sent-off in each of their last two games – both Purdy and James O’Donnell received red cards for the Town recently (within ten minutes of scoring goals for their side, oddly enough).

Match Referee: John McLoughlin.

MATCH STATS

Since Athlone Town defeated Finn Harps on June 5th, both sides have won just twice from six outings: Finn Harps beat Cabinteely and Cobh Ramblers at home, while Athlone defeated Waterford United away and Wexford Youths at home.

The home side has been victorious in the two previous meetings this season, winning with a 1-0 scoreline.

Six of the last seven clashes between the sides have resulted in home victories, with the other being a 3-2 win for Athlone Town at Finn Park in June 2013.

BETTING

Finn Harps 3/4, Draw 12/5, 10/3.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-0 Athlone Town.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Packie Mailey.

Suspended: Thomas McMonagle.

Unavailable: Keith Cowan.

Athlone Town

Injured: Marco Chindea (broken foot).

Doubtful: Brian Shortall.

Suspended: James O’Donnell, Daniel Purdy.