Finn Harps vs Cobh Ramblers
Credit:
The TG4 cameras will be in Finn Park tomorrow evening to watch a real six-pointer as Finn Harps take on Cobh Ramblers in a vital Premier Division fixture for both sides (kick-off is at 7.45pm). Both teams need the points as they battle relegation to the First Division after just one season in the top flight.
This time last year, these sides were also locked in battle – for the First Division title. Then, Cobh eventually claimed the trophy winning the Division with just a point to spare. However, the prize on offer this time is so much greater – a place in next season's ten team top flight.
A victory for Harps would see them go nine points clear of Ramblers and with a game in hand. And with UCD making the difficult trip to the Brandywell, a Harps win could see them open a three point gap on the bottom three sides.
However, boss Paul Hegarty knows it will be a tough game. "Cobh might fall nine points off the pace if they lose and that might be a bit much for them, so they'll be pulling out all the stops to try and get something from the game. We're under no illusions either, there is plenty of work for us to do if we are to try and get a result, as we know from all our clashes with Cobh last season in the First Division. All the games for us and them between now and the end of the season are massive."
Hegarty will have to plan without the suspended Stephen Parkhouse while Shaun McGowan (groin) and Declan Boyle (hamstring) are also set to miss out. Gary Beckett and Cornelius Gallagher remain sidelined. However, Davy Byrne and David Tyrrell return to the squad and both could find themselves in the starting line-up.
Last time out, Harps produced one of their best displays of the season when they beat Shamrock Rovers 2-0 at Tolka Park. "The Rovers result has given us confidence and we'll be looking to carry that into the Cobh game this Friday. I think it's now a case of three from four at the bottom of the table. The relegation battle will be between ourselves, Cobh, UCD and Galway and there's certainly loads to play for.
In the previous two fixtures between the sides this season, Harps have claimed the bragging rights with victories in both games. On the opening day of the season, they defeated Stephen Henderson's side by the odd goal in three at Finn Park, while a 3-1 victory at St. Colman's Park in May gave Harps their first away victory of the season. A completed hat-trick of victories tomorrow night would do nicely!!
