Finn Harps -v- Monaghan United
Credit:
Finn Harps will be looking for a third consecutive league victory as
they welcome Ulster rivals Monaghan United to the North West on
Saturday night. (Kick off 8pm)
Up until two weeks ago Harps had endured a disappointing season. Amid the heralded returns of Kevin McHugh and Jonathan Minnock, along with a smattering of local talent in the form of Michael Funston, Stephen McLoughlin and Johnny Lafferty, there was some hope that 2010 would be a good year for the Donegal side.
But with thirteen league games played they lie seventh in the Airtricity First Division, solidly in mid table and following a general pattern of beating those below them while losing to those above.
But there are two things in their favour as Mick Cooke brings an impressive Monaghan United to town this weekend. Monaghan are the only team higher up in the table that Harps have managed to beat, a Matty Crossan goal earning three points at Gortakeegan back in mid March.
There is also the fact that since the nadir of a home defeat to Mervue United three weeks ago, Harps have beaten Longford and Salthill over the last two weekends, the first time they have recorded back to back victories since the early weeks of the season - a sign perhaps that James Gallagher’s men are discovering a more resilient side to their nature.
They will need it if Monaghan are to be dispatched on Saturday. Despite a recent patch of three games without a win, the Mons returned to form themselves last week with a 3-0 trampling of Longford and they are one of the few teams with the ability to offer a genuine challenge to the front two of Derry and Waterford.
Strikers Philip Hughes and Karl Bermingham present a sharp focus to their attack but it is their stubborn defence and hard working midfield that have placed them within sight of a play-off place.
Waterford, Cork and Limerick have all been defeated in the league while Premier Division champions Bohemians were turfed out of the EA Sports Cup by a Monaghan side that have plenty of confidence.
With the return of Shane Grimes after injury, Mick Cooke should have a full squad available ,barring the suspended Sean Brennan, but Harps boss Gallagher has a number of personnel issues. He will again be without goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher while Jonathon Minnock and Fintan Bonner also miss out. Michael Funston returns after suspension and Gallagher himself must decide whether to remain in goal or make way for young William Mailey.
On Saturday’s game Gallagher spoke with cautious optimism; “They are a team for which I have a fair deal of respect. They are well managed, well organised and work hard. They are technically sound and although we beat them in Monaghan earlier this season, they give very little away. If we can keep a clean sheet, we have the players who can nick us a goal.”
Finn Harps
Injured: Ciaran Gallagher, Jonathon Minnock, Fintan Bonner.
Doubtful: Stephen McLoughlin.
Suspended: None.
Monaghan United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Sean Brennan.
Referee: Paul Tuite
Extratime prediction: A 1-0 win for Monaghan
Up until two weeks ago Harps had endured a disappointing season. Amid the heralded returns of Kevin McHugh and Jonathan Minnock, along with a smattering of local talent in the form of Michael Funston, Stephen McLoughlin and Johnny Lafferty, there was some hope that 2010 would be a good year for the Donegal side.
But with thirteen league games played they lie seventh in the Airtricity First Division, solidly in mid table and following a general pattern of beating those below them while losing to those above.
But there are two things in their favour as Mick Cooke brings an impressive Monaghan United to town this weekend. Monaghan are the only team higher up in the table that Harps have managed to beat, a Matty Crossan goal earning three points at Gortakeegan back in mid March.
There is also the fact that since the nadir of a home defeat to Mervue United three weeks ago, Harps have beaten Longford and Salthill over the last two weekends, the first time they have recorded back to back victories since the early weeks of the season - a sign perhaps that James Gallagher’s men are discovering a more resilient side to their nature.
They will need it if Monaghan are to be dispatched on Saturday. Despite a recent patch of three games without a win, the Mons returned to form themselves last week with a 3-0 trampling of Longford and they are one of the few teams with the ability to offer a genuine challenge to the front two of Derry and Waterford.
Strikers Philip Hughes and Karl Bermingham present a sharp focus to their attack but it is their stubborn defence and hard working midfield that have placed them within sight of a play-off place.
Waterford, Cork and Limerick have all been defeated in the league while Premier Division champions Bohemians were turfed out of the EA Sports Cup by a Monaghan side that have plenty of confidence.
With the return of Shane Grimes after injury, Mick Cooke should have a full squad available ,barring the suspended Sean Brennan, but Harps boss Gallagher has a number of personnel issues. He will again be without goalkeeper Ciaran Gallagher while Jonathon Minnock and Fintan Bonner also miss out. Michael Funston returns after suspension and Gallagher himself must decide whether to remain in goal or make way for young William Mailey.
On Saturday’s game Gallagher spoke with cautious optimism; “They are a team for which I have a fair deal of respect. They are well managed, well organised and work hard. They are technically sound and although we beat them in Monaghan earlier this season, they give very little away. If we can keep a clean sheet, we have the players who can nick us a goal.”
Finn Harps
Injured: Ciaran Gallagher, Jonathon Minnock, Fintan Bonner.
Doubtful: Stephen McLoughlin.
Suspended: None.
Monaghan United
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Sean Brennan.
Referee: Paul Tuite
Extratime prediction: A 1-0 win for Monaghan
About Simon O'Gorman
Simon O'Gorman began reporting for Extratime in 2010. He remembers Milltown and Flower Lodge and, back in the mists of time, saw Diego Maradona play at Lansdowne Road. He now lives in Co Kildare and … View Full Profile