Finn Harps -v- Waterford United
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Waterford United make the long trek to Finn Park this Saturday to take on Finn Harps at Ballybofey (kick-off 7.45pm). Harps will be looking to take advantage of points dropped by the bottom two this weekend, whilst Waterford will be looking to keep pace with the top three.
Hegarty’s View
Paul Hegarty was disappointed with the defeat to Sporting Fingal last Friday but could have no complaints. “We gave away a shocking goal but up to that there was nothing to suggest that they were going to score. They had a few chances and to be fair to them in the second half and they possibly had more of the ball than us. Overall, I could have no complaints about the result. We were beaten by the better side on the night and really we should have created a little more in attack.”
Looking forward to the clash with Waterford, Hegarty admits losing Gavin Cullen will hurt his team against an experienced Waterford side. “It's a blow being without Gavin (Cullen). He brings that little bit of experience to the squad, but it looks as though he'll be out for at least a month. Waterford are a good side with a lot of experience. They have made a decent enough start to the new season, showing that they are good at the back and are capable of grabbing a goal. They will be hoping to have a say in the title race.”
Henderson’s View
Stephen Henderson believes that if Waterford can keep involved in the title race, they will get respect, and he is confident of taking full points on Saturday.
"If we stay in touch with the leaders we will make people sit up and respect us."
"We know we have a small squad but every one of the players is totally committed to Waterford United and as the season progresses the fans will start to see this team move up the league table."
"This group of players work hard in training all week and they will be ready for the challenges ahead, beginning with with Finn Harps next weekend." "The team is confident we can take all three points." Team News
For Finn Harps, Ian Rossiter (thigh), who has missed the last four games, is still a major doubt although the former Sligo Rovers man is back training. Marc Brolly (torn ankle ligaments) is a definite absentee as are Gary Whoriskey (hip) and goalkeeper Gavin Cullen (ankle) who had to be taken off during the second half of last week’s game away to Sporting Fingal.
Ciaran Coll, who missed the trip to Fingal last Friday, is available for selection again. Ciaran Gallagher will replace Gavin Cullen in goals. Both Coll and Gallagher played for the Republic of Ireland under-18’s in Cyprus during the week. Harps Manager Paul Hegarty is hoping that both return unscathed. “Ciaran Gallagher and Ciaran Coll are both away with Ireland this week and will not be back until Friday. I have no problem with that at all, it is good for them. I’m hoping they don’t pick up any knocks as they both will more than likely be in the team for Waterford on Saturday night."
Stephen Henderson will have a full panel to select from, with no suspensions in effect for the game. Paul McCarthy has an ongoing hip/groin problem, but at present it does not affect his availability, and Alan Carey has also recovered from a slight groin strain to be available for selection.
Extratime.ie Prediction:Waterford to win by two goals to one (2-1).
Hegarty’s View
Paul Hegarty was disappointed with the defeat to Sporting Fingal last Friday but could have no complaints. “We gave away a shocking goal but up to that there was nothing to suggest that they were going to score. They had a few chances and to be fair to them in the second half and they possibly had more of the ball than us. Overall, I could have no complaints about the result. We were beaten by the better side on the night and really we should have created a little more in attack.”
Looking forward to the clash with Waterford, Hegarty admits losing Gavin Cullen will hurt his team against an experienced Waterford side. “It's a blow being without Gavin (Cullen). He brings that little bit of experience to the squad, but it looks as though he'll be out for at least a month. Waterford are a good side with a lot of experience. They have made a decent enough start to the new season, showing that they are good at the back and are capable of grabbing a goal. They will be hoping to have a say in the title race.”
Henderson’s View
Stephen Henderson believes that if Waterford can keep involved in the title race, they will get respect, and he is confident of taking full points on Saturday.
"If we stay in touch with the leaders we will make people sit up and respect us."
"We know we have a small squad but every one of the players is totally committed to Waterford United and as the season progresses the fans will start to see this team move up the league table."
"This group of players work hard in training all week and they will be ready for the challenges ahead, beginning with with Finn Harps next weekend." "The team is confident we can take all three points." Team News
For Finn Harps, Ian Rossiter (thigh), who has missed the last four games, is still a major doubt although the former Sligo Rovers man is back training. Marc Brolly (torn ankle ligaments) is a definite absentee as are Gary Whoriskey (hip) and goalkeeper Gavin Cullen (ankle) who had to be taken off during the second half of last week’s game away to Sporting Fingal.
Ciaran Coll, who missed the trip to Fingal last Friday, is available for selection again. Ciaran Gallagher will replace Gavin Cullen in goals. Both Coll and Gallagher played for the Republic of Ireland under-18’s in Cyprus during the week. Harps Manager Paul Hegarty is hoping that both return unscathed. “Ciaran Gallagher and Ciaran Coll are both away with Ireland this week and will not be back until Friday. I have no problem with that at all, it is good for them. I’m hoping they don’t pick up any knocks as they both will more than likely be in the team for Waterford on Saturday night."
Stephen Henderson will have a full panel to select from, with no suspensions in effect for the game. Paul McCarthy has an ongoing hip/groin problem, but at present it does not affect his availability, and Alan Carey has also recovered from a slight groin strain to be available for selection.
Extratime.ie Prediction:Waterford to win by two goals to one (2-1).
