Finn Harps -v- Wexford Youths

• Aidan Farrelly
• Fri, May 06 2011


Peter Hutton takes charge of Finn Harps for the first time on Friday night, when he prepares his charges to host Wexford Youths at Finn Park (Kick-off 7.45pm). Harps fans will be hoping a fresh face in the management set up will prove inspiration enough to give the home side their first victory of the season.

Harps have a decent home record against the side from the South East, taking four from a possible six points on the last two occasions Youths have travelled to Finn Park. Following an encouraging display against Shelbourne last week, stand in manager/club leading goal scorer Kevin McHugh spoke of his encouragement at the display.

“We dominated the game, particularly in the first half and were very unlucky to come away with nothing,” he said. “We had almost all the ball and caused Shelbourne problems from the start. I spoke to their manager Alan Mathews afterwards and he admitted that he was very relieved to come out with the three points.

“We decided the change a few things during the week and went with a 4-1-4-1 formation and I couldn’t have asked for any more from any player. Tommy Bonner played in front of the back four and was excellent, while Garbhan Friel did very well on his debut.”

Wexford Youths are currently level pegging with Friday’s opposition, following a poor start to their campaign. Wexford secured their opening victory of the season following a one goal to nil win over Limerick at the beginning of April, before losing out to Waterford, Athlone and Monaghan.
< br /> Expectations will surely rest on Harps and Hutton to provide the fans with their first maximum of the season tomorrow night, in the hope of beginning the climb up the First Division ladder. Kevin McHugh has netted three times so far in this campaign, and will be eager to impress his new manager once kick off time comes on Friday.

Finn Harps
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Paddy McLaughlin (Hamstring), Conor O’Grady (Ankle).
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths
Injured: Not Available.
Doubtful: Not Available.
Suspended: Not Available.


Referee: Paul McLaughlin.
Extratime prediction: 1-0.