Credit:
Waterford United -v- Finn Harps
- Extratime Team
- Fri, Jun 28 2013
WATERFORD UNITED
Waterford United return to league action after the mid-season interval as Finn Harps arrive to kick-off the third round of games at the RSC this Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).
The Blues will be looking to build on a run of good form which has seen them win their last three league games (versus Athlone Town, Salthill Devon and Cobh Ramblers) to close the gap to the top of the table.
The Waterford United management team will have to plan without the services of striker Daragh Walshe who is suspended after his sending-off at Cobh, and new loan signing Paddy Barrett will not be eligible until the next match at Longford. And with the squad all rested and relaxed there are no major injuries to report.
FINN HARPS
In direct contrast to Waterford United, Harps went into the break on the back of a three game losing streak in the league and team boss Peter Hutton feels the break may just have come at the right time for his troops.
“Given the nature of the last few performances, then yes I think the break came at the right time. Mentally I think a few of the players needed a break whilst a few had knocks or injuries that the rest will certainly have helped. The short break will, we hope, have helped in allowing the group to take stock and refocus now for the second half of the season,” said Hutton.
Harps’ last outing two weeks ago came against bottom of the table Salthill Devon who recorded their first home victory of the season courtesy of a 2-1 victory.
“It was a very disappointing result”, said Hutton of the defeat in Drom. “We have actually played worse and won this season but unfortunately if you don’t take your chances then you will get punished and that’s exactly what happened.
“We had enough chances to win two or three games but didn’t convert them and then conceded from a penalty that set us back. We got ourselves back on track with ten minutes to go but again shot ourselves in the foot by some sloppy defending allowing them to sneak a winner in the final minutes.”
Hutton knows Friday's game will be a tough challenge against an improving Waterford side.
“Waterford are starting to build a bit of momentum and the players are basically playing for the careers with the arrival of a new manager imminent,” said Hutton of Friday’s trip to the south-east.
“They have improved of late and have already made three new signings with more to come so they are going to prove a difficult opponent no doubt.”
Tommy Bonner will sit out Friday’s game through suspension, while Gary Merritt is only returning to full health after a bout of flu. Ciaran Coll remains on the injured list with an ankle injury picked up in the game with Athlone Town.
Referee: Kevin O'Regan
MATCH STATS
Since Finn Harps returned to the First Division in 2009, the Blues have lost just two of the 15 games between the sides.
But the Blues have not beaten Harps at home since a 1-0 win in March of 2011, Willie John Kiely with the only goal of the game.
Harps have taken six points from four unbeaten games at the RSC under Peter Hutton, and the Blues won three of their four games at Ballbofey under Paul O’Brien.
BETTING
Waterford United evens; Draw 9/4; Finn Harps 12/5.
PREDICTION
The home team to win in a low scoring game - 1-0 to Waterford United
Waterford United
Injured: None.
Suspended: Daragh Walshe.
Doubtful: None.
Unavailable: Paddy Barrett
Finn Harps
Injured: Ciaran Coll (ankle).
Suspended: Tommy Bonner.
Doubtful: Gary Merritt.
