Waterford United -v- Finn Harps

• Brendan White
• Fri, Jul 27 2012




 

WATERFORD UNITED
Waterford United go in search of their eight league win in row on Friday night as Finn Harps make the long trip to the South East.



The Blues are the form team in the league at the moment with ten wins from their last eleven games in all competitions. Last weekend they took a big step in the promotion race by defeating second place Longford Town with a 1-0 win in Flancare Park.


Peter White was the hero on the night notching the only goal with a header from Gary Dempsey’s free-kick. Craig Burns also played his part with a goal-line clearance from Karl Bermingham’s header.


They come into the game with no fresh injury worries but Daragh Walshe and Gary Dunphy continue to miss out with long term injuries. Ben Ryan is suspended after his red card last weekend, but Paul Carey returns from suspension.


FINN HARPS
Finn Harps come into the game unbeaten in their last three games and looking to overtake Wexford Youths in fifth place. Last weekend saw Harps almost take the three points from Wexford, but for a last minute equaliser grabbing a point for The Youths in a 3-3 draw.
 

Thomas McMonagle, Kevin McHugh and Shaun McGowen were all on the scoresheet and Harps will look to continue their goalscoring in the RSC on Friday night.


Thomas McBride serves the 4th game of his seven game suspension while Tommy Bonner is a doubt for the game. Michael Funston (ankle), Stephen O’Donnell (cruciate), Hugh Carlin (cruciate) and Blain Curtis (cruciate) all miss the game through injury
 

“Waterford are on a great run at the moment. They are one of the form teams, themselves and Limerick”, Harps boss Peter Hutton said.
 

“But we fear no-one. I think there is a very fine line in regards to the rest of the teams in the league.  If we acquit ourselves like we did for the second half and the last 15 minutes of the first half (against Wexford), then I think we’ll give them a right good game.”

 

Referee: James McKell


MATCH STATS
Finn Harps’ 2-0 victory over Waterford United in March was their first in Waterford since 2001.


Ben Ryan scored a late winner at Finn Park in May for a Waterford United win, but he misses out this game through suspension.


In the past month, Finn Harps have been beaten by promotion chasing Longford Town and Limerick, while Waterford United have beaten both Longford Town and Limerick


BETTING
Waterford United 1/3; Draw 10/3 ; Finn Harps 8/1 .


PREDICTION
2-1 to Waterford United


Waterford United Injury News: Daragh Walshe, Gary Dunphy.
Waterford United Suspension News: Ben Ryan

 

Finn Harps Injury News: Michael Funston (ankle), Stephen O’Donnell (cruciate), Hugh Carlin (cruciate), Blain Curtis (cruciate)
Finn Harps Suspension News: Thomas McBride.