League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Bray Wanderers

Having suffered consecutive defeats in the space of just four days, Finn Harps will be hoping for a quick response when they host fellow strugglers Bray Wanderers in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division on Friday night (kick-off 8pm).

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan, who was sent off during Monday’s defeat at St Patrick’s Athletic, insists that there’s little cause for concern at this stage of the campaign, but is under no illusions about the problems Bray Wanderers could cause for his team.

“We have 26 games left, so it’s a little early in the season for six pointer games,” he told the club’s official website.

“Bray have loads of experience in their squad and have been fixtures in the Premier Division for a good number of years at this stage.”

Three points would be a most welcome boost for Finn Harps, who will take encouragement from their recent performances if not results, though Horgan remains conscious of the challenge that lies ahead, citing the club’s part-time status as a major factor.

“It’s difficult when you have Bray who are full-time, but it’s great to be there. It’s just if we could put points on the board as opposed to performances without points. That would be a better help.”

Harps are again without the injured trio of Raymond Foy, Josh Mailey, and Barry Molloy – while Ethan Boyle, Damien McNulty and Dave Scully all picked up knocks on Monday night and are doubtful.

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers have also lost in their previous two league outings coming into this game and manager Mick Cooke will no doubt be concerned by the fact his side has the joint worst defensive record in the division, having already conceded an alarming tally of 15 goals in just seven matches.

To make matters worse, for this trip they will be without their vastly experienced defender Alan McNally, who is suspended after having the dubious honour of becoming the first player in the league to pick up five bookings this season.   

Expectations are higher than usual in Bray this year after Cooke signed no fewer than 14 players in pre-season, but his new-look team has failed to gel thus far. The Seagulls will be desperate for a positive result up in Ballybofey as only goal difference keeps them off the bottom of the table ahead of their clash with Finn Harps.

Referee: Ray Matthews

MATCH STATS

The sides haven’t met since September 2008, when a late Stephen Parkhouse penalty gave Finn Harps a 1-0 victory at the Carlisle Grounds.

In fact, each of the last three matches between Finn Harps and Bray Wanderers has ended in the same scoreline, 1-0.

This will be the 55th competitive meeting between both clubs and the overall record is finely balanced with 18 wins for Harps, 18 wins for Bray and 18 draws.

BETTING

Finn Harps 13/8; Draw 21/10; Bray Wanderers 9/5

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1-1 Bray Wanderers

Finn Harps

Injured: Barry Molloy (knee), Josh Mailey, Raymond Foy.

Doubtful: Damien McNulty, Dave Scully, Ethan Boyle.

Suspended: None.

Bray Wanderers

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Alan McNally.