Finn Harps -v- Athlone Town

Finn Harps host Athlone Town at Finn Park tonight and the happiness rating of the locals come full time would seem to rest on which version of their side turns up for the game. If it’s the Finn Harps that bossed Longford in the first half of their opening game at Flancare, then the prospects are good. If, on the other hand, it’s the Harps that trotted out for the second half, then cancel that order for party balloons.

So far Harps have beaten Salthill Devon, Wexford Youths and, most impressively, Monaghan United at Gortakeegan. But the same team have lost at Longford and Shelbourne and been beaten 3-0 at home by Limerick.

In Davitt Walsh and Kevin McHugh, Harps carry a genuine goal threat up front while Stephen McLoughlin and Johnny Lafferty are both players that can turn a game from midfield. Alongside the more consistent ability of Michael Funston and Johnny Minnock Harps have enough in their locker to trouble any team in the Division... on their day.

In Finn Harps team news, Jonathan Minnock and Ciaran Gallagher again miss out. Aaron O’Hagan, who picked up a knock in the ‘A’ team fixture against Castlebar last weekend is also unavailable for selection. Stephen McLaughlin (bruised foot) and Kevin McHugh (thigh) both missed the EA Sports League Cup victory over Castlebar Celtic on Tuesday night and both are doubts for the game against Athlone Town on Saturday.

What Athlone Town will bring to the party remains to be seen but on current form it’s probably best not to expect any fireworks in front of goal. Athlone have failed to score in their last four outings, including last Tuesdays 1-0 defeat at UCD in the EA Sports Cup.

Successive 1-0 wins against Salthill Devon and Mervue United gave Athlone a healthy start to the season but the value of these six points is questionable as, between them, the Galway sides have managed only a single point so far. Of more relevance is the fact that Athlone have drawn with Cork City Foras Co-Op (1-1), Monaghan and Shelbourne (both 0-0). Throw in a narrow victory over arch rivals Longford and a narrow defeat to Derry City and you find a somewhat conservative pattern; they may not score many goals but they don’t give many away either.

Athlone’s strength is at the back where central defenders Brian McCarthy and Des Hope present a formidable obstacle to any team. They are flanked by the dependable Eoghan O’Shea and Mark Nolan and with the vociferous Chris Bennion between the sticks you begin to see why they have conceded only two league goals in seven games.

Up front Athlone have the combative Austin Skelly and Noel McGee, both of whom are capable of bagging a goal if an opportunity comes their way. Perhaps Athlone’s biggest problem is getting the ball from one end to the other in a productive fashion.

For Athlone, Brendan Place has no suspensions to deal with but has a number of injuries worries. Austin Skelly and Robbie Benson are extremely doubtful. Tom O’Halloran returned from International Schools duty with a reoccurrence of an ankle injury and is certain to sit this one out. Stephen Caffrey however is in line for a return to action having sat out last Saturday’s game against Shelbourne due to suspension and being rested for the midweek game against UCD.

All things considered, it’s unlikely to be a ‘goal-fest’ at Finn Park tonight but the good folk of Ballybofey should bring their party hats just in case.

Extratime prediction: 1-0 to Finn Harps