Finn Harps -v- UCD
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UCD travel to Finn Park tomorrow night (kick-off 8pm) as they continue their quest to bounce back up to the Premier Division instantly. With Ciaran Kilduff the outstanding performer thus far, scoring four goals in three games, the Students will be looking to remain on top of the table at this early stage. Harps, who’ve had a decent start themselves, are still undefeated and will look to knock UCD off of their perch in what will certainly be a tight game in Ballybofey.
Recent meetings between the two have ended in victories for whoever had home advantage and it was November 2005 since the Students came away from Ballybofey with three points. Last season Harps overcame UCD 1-0 and 2-0 at Finn Park but the College took the spoils at Belfield with just one goal separating the teams.
Gethins century
Conor Gethins will line out for Harps for the 100th time tomorrow night but he remains focused on the game. “It’s an honour to get to the 100-appearance mark,” he said. “I wasn’t aware of that, but getting the win (against UCD) is the most important thing on Friday.”
Despite being just 25 years old, the Lifford man is club captain and amazingly one of the oldest players at the club. The inexperienced squad hasn’t affected them on the pitch so far, though. “Last week, I was the oldest outfield player and for a side with an average age of 19 or so, we were delighted to get a result. We didn’t play particularly well against Mervue, but at least we managed to keep the unbeaten run going” said Gethins of their 1-1 draw with the leagues newest outfit seven days ago.
Tough Examination
The game will be a tough test for the Students and Martin Russell will be wary of the threat the Co. Donegal side possess. "They're (Finn Harps) unbeaten at the moment. We'll be going up there respectful of them but also trying to concentrate on our strengths," said the UCD manager.
Kilduff has been inspirational for the College so far but while Russell agrees with this, he was also keen to stress how well the squad as a whole have started the season. "He's (Kilduff) made a positive contribution to the side," said UCD manager Martin Russell. "I'm happy with how all of the team is playing and we're going to try and keep it going."
Team News
Ciaran Mangan is a doubt for UCD after he picked up a knock in a reserve game, while Greg Bolger is also likely to be ruled out. However, Martin Russell should have John Dineen available as he returns from injury.
Finn Harps will be without Marc Brolly who tore ligaments in his ankle at training during the week but other than that Paul Hegarty will have a full squad to choose from.
Extratime.ie Prediction: It will be a tight game but the Students might take all three points back to Belfield with them. 2-1 to UCD.
Recent meetings between the two have ended in victories for whoever had home advantage and it was November 2005 since the Students came away from Ballybofey with three points. Last season Harps overcame UCD 1-0 and 2-0 at Finn Park but the College took the spoils at Belfield with just one goal separating the teams.
Gethins century
Conor Gethins will line out for Harps for the 100th time tomorrow night but he remains focused on the game. “It’s an honour to get to the 100-appearance mark,” he said. “I wasn’t aware of that, but getting the win (against UCD) is the most important thing on Friday.”
Despite being just 25 years old, the Lifford man is club captain and amazingly one of the oldest players at the club. The inexperienced squad hasn’t affected them on the pitch so far, though. “Last week, I was the oldest outfield player and for a side with an average age of 19 or so, we were delighted to get a result. We didn’t play particularly well against Mervue, but at least we managed to keep the unbeaten run going” said Gethins of their 1-1 draw with the leagues newest outfit seven days ago.
Tough Examination
The game will be a tough test for the Students and Martin Russell will be wary of the threat the Co. Donegal side possess. "They're (Finn Harps) unbeaten at the moment. We'll be going up there respectful of them but also trying to concentrate on our strengths," said the UCD manager.
Kilduff has been inspirational for the College so far but while Russell agrees with this, he was also keen to stress how well the squad as a whole have started the season. "He's (Kilduff) made a positive contribution to the side," said UCD manager Martin Russell. "I'm happy with how all of the team is playing and we're going to try and keep it going."
Team News
Ciaran Mangan is a doubt for UCD after he picked up a knock in a reserve game, while Greg Bolger is also likely to be ruled out. However, Martin Russell should have John Dineen available as he returns from injury.
Finn Harps will be without Marc Brolly who tore ligaments in his ankle at training during the week but other than that Paul Hegarty will have a full squad to choose from.
Extratime.ie Prediction: It will be a tight game but the Students might take all three points back to Belfield with them. 2-1 to UCD.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile