League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Bohemians

FINN HARPS

Two teams who have had contrasting fortunes since the resumption of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division are set to clash Finn Harps welcome Bohemians to Finn Park today (kick-off 2pm).

Ollie Horgan’s team have endured an awful start to the resumption of 2020 league season with his side losing all three of their games. The most recent league defeat was a 2-0 loss to St. Pats at Richmond Park. 

However, they quickly avenged their loss to the Saints on Monday with a 1-0 victory in Finn Park which saw them book a place in the second round of the Extra.ie FAI Cup. This was the first victory for the club since St. Valentine’s Day. 

The value of the cup win was acknowledged by Finn Harps attacker Karl O’Sullivan when speaking to the club’s media team ahead of Saturday’s game.   

“Obviously we want to get points on the board in the league but a win is always a lift no matter where it comes from,” said O’Sullivan. “It was good to get the win over Pats having lost to them on the Friday before and we’ll take a lot from that.”

Considering their poor recent league form and their precarious position in the table, the pressure is on the Harps to perform at Finn Park with their supporters looking on via WATCHLOI hoping a good result could spark a run to move them away from the foot of the SSE Airtricity League. 

Harps only preserved their Premier Division status least season via the promotion/relegation playoff but they will be keen to avoid such dramatics this season if possible.

O’Sullivan certainly hopes that their FAI Cup result will bring another positive performance today. 

“There’s been a buzz about training in the past couple of days so hopefully we can take that into the Bohs game and get a good result.”



BOHEMIANS

Keith Long faces into his third game since the resumption of the Premier Division season with a team full of confidence after their victory over current champions Dundalk last Friday. 

The Lilywhites looked like a tough fixture after Bohs had suffered a heavy loss to the Louth team in a recent friendly. However, this seemed to count for nothing as their impressive 2-1 victory at Dalymount saw the Phibsborough club leapfrog Dundalk into second position. 

The Gypsies also found out this week that this will have to travel to Hungary to take on Fehérvár FC in the Europa League. This is considered a tough draw and given that their fans are unlikely to be able to attend any of their European games this season, Bohemians will be keen to continue to drive toward a European place for 2021. 

Keith Long and his team know a win today will keep them on track for this target as it would move them four points clear of third placed Dundalk – and within three of Shamrock Rovers who don’t play till Sunday when they take on St. Pat’s in Inchicore.

Bohemians form and position in the league is the result of their squad strength according to Bohemians defender Dan Casey as he looked ahead to the Finn Harps game with the clubs media team.



“There is great strength and depth in the squad now,” said Casey. “Any player in the squad is capable of coming into the team. The lads who aren’t in the team at the moment are raring to go and want to play so that’s pushing us all in training. Keith and Trevor Croly keep pushing us. We’re doing well so far but we’re not yet where we want to be.”

Casey is also wary of taking today’s opponents despite the differential in their league positions. 

“Ballybofey is always one of the toughest places to go in the country. Harps really know how to make the most of home advantage. So we’re up here confident and with a game-plan, but we’re certainly not cocky. Harps are a capable side.”

Danny Mandroiu is a doubt for today’s game but Glen McAuley returns to the squad after a concussion.

Referee: Ben Connolly 

MATCH STATS

Harry Ascroft scored the only goal when Finn Harps beat Bohemians at Finn Park in their last league meeting.

Their four meetings last season saw Finn Harps win once and Bohemians win the remaining three fixtures. 

The stand out game from last season was an eight goal thriller which marred Ollie Horgan’s 200th game in charge as his side lost 5-3. 

BETTING

Finn Harps 4/1; Draw 21/10; Bohemians 8/11.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 0 - 2 Bohemians

Finn Harps

Injured: Mark Timlin.

Doubtful: Shane McEleney, Barry McNamee, Gareth Harkin.

Suspended: None.

Bohemians

Injured: Cristian Magerusan (knee), Ross Tierney (ankle), Paddy Kirk (ankle).

Doubtful: Danny Mandriou (hip).

Suspended: None.

    About Paul Walsh

    Paul Walsh is a contributor to Bohemians' matchday programme and first wrote for Extratime.ie in 2011 View Full Profile