League Preview: Finn Harps -v- UCD

FINN HARPS

Harps’ tipsy-topsy-turvy campaign continues as they enter their second home clash with UCD with two wins, two draws and two losses apiece from their last six league games.

One of those matches was the most recent encounter with UCD, a thrilling 3-3 at the Belfield Bowl but points Harps will feel they let slip considering they led on three occasions.

Sandwiching two 2-0 away defeats, to Kerry FC and Cobh Ramblers respectively, Darren Murphy’s men had a productive home bank holiday with Sean O’Donnell and Patrick Ferry strikes earning results against Wexford and Athlone Town.

Indeed, with Harps having won three of their last four at home, they’ll hope that fortress Finn Park can witness a win over The Students at the third time of asking.

UCD

Five points clear of their hosts as the midseason break approaches, UCD are unbeaten in their last six but have only managed two wins during that streak.

Successive scoreless stalemates preceded last week’s slender win over Kerry, when Eanna Clancy’s brace, the second coming deep in injury time, snatched all three points.

Having netted the late equaliser against Harps as well, the UCD captain will hope that attackers, Mikey McCullagh and Ciaran Behan, also relocate their scoring boots.

The latter has scored in both fixtures against Finn Harps so far this season whilst the former will hope for a better outcome than the red card he received on his last visit to Ballybofey.

Referee: Alan Patchell.

MATCH STATS

Both league games so far this season have ended in UCD coming from behind to draw.

Harps’ forward, Sean O’Donnell made his fiftieth appearance for the club during last week’s loss at Cobh.

UCD have only lost once away from home so far this season, a 1-0 reverse at current league leaders, Cork City.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-2 UCD.

FINN HARPS

Injured: Kevin Jordan, Conor Tourish, Shane McMonagle, Max Hutchison.

Doubtful: Gavin McAteer (Junior Certificate).

Suspended: None.

UCD

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.