League Preview: Kerry -v- Finn Harps

KERRY

Still seeking their first win as a senior League of Ireland club, Kerry take on struggling Finn Harps at a sold-out Mounthawk Park on Friday night (kick-off at 7.45pm).

The Kingdom impressed at times last week against Longford Town but were eventually bested by Stephen Henderson’s side.

However, Billy Dennehy’s side have shown signs of improvement every week and are closing in on a historic first win as a senior entity.

“The results have been disappointing obviously but the spirits are still good,” attacker Sean McGrath told the Kerryman this week. “There are still a lot of positives to be taken out of the games.

“There have been times we have played really well, created some good chances, defended well, and probably our concentration has caught us once or twice.

“Everyone is still working hard, everyone is fighting for everyone, there’s a good group of lads there.”

In terms of team news, it is expected that Junior Ankomah, Mark Carey and Andy Quaid will continue to miss out.

FINN HARPS

After suffering relegation to the First Division, Finn Harps struggles have continued this season under boss Dave Rogers.

Harps have won just once this season and sit in eighth place after seven games played.

But last week their season sunk to a new low as they lost 7-1 against Waterford at the RSC.

And that result means that the Co Donegal must react quickly to avoid any further humiliating defeats this season as they enter a new chapter at the club.

“Unfortunately, our four game unbeaten run came to a disappointing end away to Waterford and with a score line that nobody expected or wants to go through again,” Rogers said this week.

“For the first 30 minutes we were the team playing on the front foot and limiting Waterford FC to very little so to capitulate in the manner we did and concede such poor and preventable goals was a real lesson for us all.

“Yet again the players have trained with a spring in their step and a desire to go to Kerry and try to win the match and respond in a positive direction and show the fans that last week was just a bad day at the office.”

Keith Cowan and Cian Lynch are ruled out with injuries while Sean O’Donnell is suspended.

Referee: David Connolly.

PREDICTION

Kerry 0 - 2 Finn Harps

Kerry

Injured: Andy Quaid, Mark Carey, Cianan Cooney.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: Keith Cowan, Cian Lynch.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Sean O’Donnell.