League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Wexford

FINN HARPS

Just one point separates Finn Harps and opponents Wexford in the table as both sides do battle at Finn Park on Friday night (kick-off is at 8pm).

Wexford’s 22 points saw them head into the summer break in sixth place with Harps sitting just below, as both Treaty United and Longford Town edge closer in a very tight bottom half of the table.

The Donegal side grabbed all three points in their last game, clinching a dramatic 3-2 win over Longford at Bishopsgate, but have been on an inconsistent run as of late, recording five losses since the beginning of May.

It was Harps who snatched all three points in the last meeting between the two this season, when a James Crawford own goal gifted the visitors a 1-0 win at Ferrycarrig Park in April. The March fixture at Finn Park finished 0-0.

New signings Scott Wara and Matty Makinson, both defenders, will not be available for tonight’s fixture.

WEXFORD

It will be a long trip to Ballybofey for Wexford, who are hoping to catch Bray Wanderers in the table with just three points between the two sides.

A defeat could see them slip down to eighth if Treaty grab all three points away to Athlone, so James Keddy’s side will need to bring their A-game.

Their last fixture saw them suffer a 2-0 defeat to table-toppers Galway United following a good streak of results including a 6-0 win over Kerry and 2-1 victory over Cobh Ramblers.

Speaking to the media this week, Keddy praised his team for weathering the storm in the first half of the season and is confident that his side will climb further up the table.

He said: “I said it at the start of the season, I’d be disappointed if we’re not in the play-offs. I think we have enough in the squad to get there, but you need a little bit of luck along the way so I’m hoping we don’t have any injuries from now until the end of the season.

“The last time we played Finn Harps, we should have beaten them easily. We know it’s going to be a difficult game again but we’ll be looking to win.”

Keddy and skipper Ethan Boyle will be sidelined due to suspension.  

Referee: Paul Norton

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1-2 Wexford FC

Finn Harps

Injured: Ryan Rainey, Ellis Farrar, Seamas Keogh, Caoimhin Porter, Daniel Okwute, Brendan McLaughlin.

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None

Wexford

Injured: Thomas Considine, Aaron Robinson

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: Ethan Boyle