League Preview: Finn Harps - V - Wexford

• Paul Corcoran
• Fri, Mar 23 2018




FINN HARPS

Harps have had a mixed bag of form so far in the First Division although they are unbeaten with two games played.

They were disappointed to draw 1-1 with Shelbourne at home but to go down to Cobh and beat the Rams 2-0 is no mean feat.

Ollie Horgan will be hoping his side can keep their unbeaten run going against a Wexford side who will be looking to come back from a tough defeat against Drogheda last week.

“Yes we have had a decent start on balance when you consider that we only managed a draw at home to Shelbourne but then went down to Cobh on Saturday night and got a win,” Ollie Horgan told the club’s website.

“People are expecting us to win against Wexford and they got well beaten by Drogheda last Friday night. If our players think that is going to be the case or it will be easy then we will be big in trouble.

“Wexford have plenty of quality. Lads like Chris Kenny and Thomas Croke have played in the Premier Division. Mark Slater, Ross Kenny and Sean Hurley are decent players and will cause us bother if we are not at the pace of the game from the start to the finish.”

Knee injuries have ruled Gareth Harkin and BJ Banda out of contention for tomorrow night while Paddy McCourt is a major doubt after damaging a calf muscle during last week’s game against Cobh Ramblers. Eric Whelan is still continuing his recovery from a groin problem while Aidan Friel has been declared fit to play.

WEXFORD

Wexford began their First Division campaign brightly when they defeated Cabinteely by a goal in Stradbrook on the opening night of the season.

Since then things have been tough for Damian Locke’s men, they were defeated 3-0 by Longford before being humbled at Ferrycarraig Park by Drogheda last week when they were defeated 8-1.

They’ll be looking to bounce back as soon as possible from that embarrassing defeat and their first opportunity comes tomorrow night when they travel to Ballybofey to take on Finn Harps.

Defender Conor Sutton is Locke’s only injury concern although the palyer is approaching match fitness once again.

Referee: David Dunne

MATCH STATS

Friday night is the first ever meeting between Wexford FC and Finn Harps.

Wexford have only won one of their previous seven First Division games.

BETTING

Finn Harps 4/9; Draw 4/1; Wexford 79/10.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2-0 Wexford

Finn Harps

Injured: Gareth Harkin, BJ Banda.

Doubtful: Eric Whelan, Paddy McCourt.

Suspended: None.

Wexford

Injured: Conor Sutton.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.