League Preview: Cork City -v- Finn Harps

CORK CITY

The Leesiders will likely be thankful that they are coming up against Ollie Horgan rather than Daryl Horgan on Friday when Finn Harps come to Cork (kick off 7.45pm).

Dundalk’s 2-1 win over City last Tuesday, thanks to another superb Daryl Horgan display, means the title is no longer in City’s own hands.

However John Caulfield’s men, who trail the Lilywhites by four points with five games to go, will be looking to put three points on the board to put pressure on Stephen Kenny’s men who travel to Tallaght to take on Shamrock Rovers on Friday evening.

“We were all disappointed with the result on Tuesday,” said Caulfield at the pre-match press conference. “But we have to pick ourselves up. There are still fifteen points to play for and all we can do is look after ourselves and see if we can keep the pressure on.”

The loss in Oriel Park has halted momentum for City who had strung a nine-game unbeaten run together. They now come up against a team who are not only looking to remain unbeaten in four games but get a result which, depending on scorelines elsewhere, could guarantee them their Premier Division status.

“Finn Harps have had a really good run of results in the last few weeks,” said Caulfield. “They drew away to Sligo and beat Bray, before getting a great draw with Pat’s the other night, so they are very close to safety now.

“We found it difficult against them in Ballybofey a few weeks ago, so I expect them to defend deep and try to hit us on the counter. The fact that they have turned their form around in the last few weeks will give them confidence, so we know there is no room for error and we have to get the points.

“Ollie Horgan is a very experienced manager and he always sets his team up well defensively. They are always hard to break down and they proved that in the league game a couple of weeks ago.

“We know they will make it difficult but we have to be patient. The most important thing is that we are at home and we need to get back to scoring goals; it is a night that we have to win and we know that.”

Alan Smith and John Dunleavy remain out as long term injuries, while Gearóid Morrissey is to be assessed tomorrow and Steven Beattie is rated as a major doubt.

FINN HARPS

Ollie Horgan could celebrate his contract extension signed this week with securing his team’s top flight status if results go their way on Friday. If Harps better Wexford’s result at home to Galway then their position in the Premier Division for 2017 will be confirmed. Not that Horgan is talking up his chances, as per usual.

“Squad wise we’re really struggling for tomorrow night,” said Horgan, speaking to FinnHarps.com on the eve of the match. “Keith Cowan has gone in for surgery on his knee so his season is over and Kevin McHugh won’t play.

“We won’t have Ruairi Keating in Cork either. And I am very worried about Sean Houston and Barry Molloy in terms of being fit for tomorrow night. I am bit more hopeful on Adam Hanlon who didn’t play against Pat’s due to a tight hamstring.

“With the number of players doubtful I am trying to see if I can get Josh Mailey back from England but as of I now I don’t know whether that is possible.

“With our under-19 semi-final against UCD being put back to Sunday, we will have a couple of the under-19 players in the squad.”

Harps have lost twice to the Leesiders already this season, losing 3-1 in Cork and 1-0 in Ballybofey just a couple of weeks ago. That match was decided by a controversial 70^th minute penalty from in form City striker Sean Maguire.

“We have a poor record against Cork this season with the two defeats. It’s a game they have to win tomorrow night to have any chance of taking the league title.

“So we are expecting that there will be a big response from their players after losing to Dundalk on Tuesday night.”

Referee: Robert Rogers.

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps have just one win against City in their last ten meetings between the sides dating back to 2008. Their last victory occurred on this weekend six years ago - a 1-0 win at home.

Harps have some history to battle in Turner’s Cross – they have won just once in the league away to Cork City.

Sean Houston is the Harps top scorer with seven goals while Sean Maguire has 16 in the league for City.

BETTING

City 1/8; Draw 7/1; Harps 17/1.

PREDICTION

2-0 home win.

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, Alan Smith.

Doubtful: Gearóid Morrissey, Steven Beattie.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Cowan, Ruairi Keating, Kevin McHugh.

Doubtful: Adam Hanlon, Barry Molloy, Sean Houston.

Suspended: None.