Preview: Finn Harps vs Derry City

• Gordon Hunt
• Tue, May 27 2008




Derry visit Finn Park unbeaten in May following last Friday’s 4-1 victory over UCD.

The run has helped them keep pace with St Pat’s at the top of the table and will be looking close in on both Pat’s and Boh’s with an away win which would bring them their eleventh point from a possible fifteen.

Harps are also on a bit of a run of late with their win at St Coleman’s Park last Friday against Cobh helping them steer away from the wrong end of the table. However Harps have not beaten the Candy Stripes in over nine years and a large crowd is expected to watch if they can finally end that miserable run.

Harps’ Jonathan Minnock, Cornelius Gallagher, Aaron Labonte and Marc Brolly are out with Gavin Cullen remaining in goals while James Gallagher recovers from injury.

Sammy Morrow (cruciate), Sean Hargan (ankle) and Paddy McCourt (back) remain doubts while Eugene Ferry has returned to training following his metatarsal injury.

Paul Hegarty, speaking to finnharps.com, spoke of his excitement on the upcoming fixture: “This is a big derby game and it should be a cracking match […] Derry are on a fine run but our confidence is high after our own victory in Cobh. There should be a huge crowd and a great atmosphere”

Derry beat Harps 3-0 in the cup three weeks ago at The Brandywell, however with a large backing behind Hegarty’s men this time out, Stephen Kenny’s side will face a different task altogether.