League Preview: Finn Harps -v- St Patrick's Athletic

FINN HARPS

Tonight’s game will give Finn Harps a huge opportunity to bounce back from last Friday night’s disappointing defeat against Galway in Eamonn Deacy Park, where Vinny Faherty’s second-half finish saw the Donegal natives head home on the wrong side of a 1-0 defeat.

This match was originally due to take place on Friday 1^st April but it was called off a number of hours in advance of kick-off due to an unplayable surface at Finn Park, with inclement weather conditions preventing Ollie Horgan’s men from trying to put a third home win in succession on the board.

Harps’ mounting injury list seems to have reduced in size over the past number of weeks, Ciaran Coll and Ryan Curran recovered well enough from their respective knocks to take their places amongst the starting XI last Friday night. Horgan will be aiming to continue his teams’ season without many more injuries as they’ll be keen to remain clear of the danger zone at the bottom of the Premier Division.

The men from the north-west will be well aware of the threat that the visitors will pose as they succumbed to a 6-1 defeat in Inchicore against St. Pat’s in the 2014 FAI Cup semi-final.

Although, the complexion of the Dubliners has changed much since then with a massive overhaul to Buckley’s squad having taken place, Harps boss Ollie Horgan still recognises the potency of tonight’s opposition.

Ahead of the match, Horgan said: “St. Pat’s are a top side and play excellent football. We need to be at our best to make it hard for them at least. However, if we perform like we did in the last half an hour against Longford (in their last home game) that won't be good enough.

“Pat’s have serious quality all over the pitch from Brendan Clarke in goals to Christy Fagan up top. They have added the likes of David Cawley, Billy Dennehy and Mark Timlin, all top class, quick and exciting players. We know that we will have our work cut out to stay with them,” he said.

ST. PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

St. Pats will be keen to extend their 100% record away from Inchicore when they make the journey to Donegal tonight looking to get themselves firmly back in contention for league honours this season having performed poorly during their 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers on Friday night.

Inconsistency has been the main hindrance to the Inchicore natives since they won the title in 2013. This year shows no promise of that trend changing, as to date they’ve won twice on the road against Longford Town and Shamrock Rovers, while losing heavily at home to Galway United and Dundalk FC, conceding seven goals in the process.

Going forward, the South-Dubliners look very inventive with Mark Timlin and Billy Dennehy starting life with the club well. The return of Christy Fagan to full fitness also bodes well as he’s started the season so well that it already looks like a forgone conclusion that he will win the Premier Division’s Golden Boot award come October.

However, their frailty defensively has surfaced, particularly in home games. The robust central defensive duo of Shane McEleney and Darren Dennehy were ruthlessly exposed by Dundalk, while Sligo cause them ample trouble during Friday’s match.

Prior to the trip, St. Pats manager Liam Buckley said: "It's always an intimidating place to go to, they're very strong at home. Ollie Horgan has done a great job up there since their promotion last year. They have a good mix of local and experienced players in the squad, and they'll be up for this, but we'd be hoping to pick up three points and kick off from there."

Pat’s have a 100% record on the road this season to date and if they produce the type of performances that they fashioned in Tallaght and when hosting Bohemians, they should have enough for this dogged Harps side. However, anything else apart from their best and they could be waving the white flag in terms of challenging for league title honours already.

Referee: Unknown.

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps haven’t beaten St. Pat’s in all competitions since their 2001 Premier Division encounter in Inchicore where the Ballybofey men won by four goals to one.

Liam Buckley’s men have won eight out of the last 10 meetings between the sides, scoring 22 goals in the process.

Friday’s meeting will be the 60^th meeting of the sides with Pat’s holding the upper-hand in terms of victories (29-18) and goals scored (96-84).

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 0-2 St. Patrick’s Athletic

BETTING

Finn Harps 9/2; Draw 11/5; St. Patrick’s Athletic 8/11.

Finn Harps

Injuries: Barry Molloy (knee) & Josh Mailey.

Doubtful: Sean Houston

Suspensions: None

St. Patrick’s Athletic

Injuries: Conor O’Malley (ankle)

Doubtful: None

Suspensions: None