League Preview: Kerry -v- Finn Harps
Sean O'Connell in action for Kerry Credit: Eddie Lennon (ETPhotos)
KERRY
The league’s newcomers, in their second season, find themselves bottom of the table, by only two points, coming into their encounter against Finn Harps.
Kerry, having began brightly, have tailed off in recent weeks with six straight defeats seeing them plummet to the foot of the table.
They do, though, possess two former Harps’ men in the form of forward, Daniel Okwute and Croatian goalkeeper, Antonio Tuta, who has done well between the sticks.
Indeed, he managed a clean sheet in the teams’ last meeting, up in Ballybofey, where a scoreless stalemate saw the spoils split.
With his old teammates having to make one of their longest journeys of the season to Mounthawk Park, Kerry will be keen to snap their losing streak.
FINN HARPS
Harps have found their scoring boots in the month of May. Younger, forwards, Max Johnston and Sean O’Donnell have both notched their first goal of the season while marquee signing, Success Edogun plundered the winner against Longford Town before bragging a brace in Belfield against UCD last week.
Add to that captain, Tony McNamee’s five goals and the Donegal men will be confident of seeing the net bulge against The Kingdom.
Though, given their concession of six goals in their last three games, Harps’ defence will need to be watertight to deal with Ronan Kelliher and co.
Netminder, Conor Walsh impressed in drawing at UCD and even though, first-choice keeper, Tim Heimer, is poised to return, the Harps shot-stopper will hope for a quieter evening between the sticks to push their promotion bid.
Referee: Mark Moynihan.
MATCH STATS
Kerry have conceded two goals in four of their last six matches.
Finn Harps have scored three times in successive games.
On the side’s last game in Tralee, Ryan Flood and BJ Banda, both now departed, struck to give Harps the win.
PREDICTION
Kerry 1-3 Finn Harps.
Kerry
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Jack Kavanagh.
Suspended: Ronan Teahan.
Finn Harps
Injured: Max Hutchison, Kevin Jordan, Aaron McLaughlin.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
About Rory Morrow
Digital Journalist. Especially experienced covering the Northwest League of Ireland teams, Derry City and Finn Harps. Avid sports fan, open to any opportunities!
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