League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Drogheda United

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, May 21 2021




FINN HARPS

Finn Harps welcome Drogheda United to Ballybofey as they look to regain the fourth place ceded to the Boynesiders last week (kick-off 7.45pm).

It’s the first time Tim Clancy’s side have visited Finn Park since the 2019 promotion/relegation play-off that saw Harps win 2-1 on aggregate following extra time.

The sides drew 1-1 on their first meeting of the season at United Park, Mark Doyle cancelling out Karl O’Sullivan’s second-half opener.

That was also the scoreline even days ago when Ollie Horgan’s charges were held at home by Dundalk.

Ole Erik Midtskogen netted his first goal for the Lilywhites to earn a point after Barry McNamee had opened the scoring with a spectacular strike.

The Ramelton Ronaldinho has been in fine form for the Finn Valley club and he was rewarded with his first goal of the season midway through the first half.

There is a deal of uncertainty about the Harps squad as Ryan Connolly, Adam Foley, Sean Boyd, Stephen Folan, Johnny Dunleavy and Kosovar Sadiki are listed as doubts.

Paul Hegarty will take charge of the home side as Horgan serves the second of a three-game ban after being sent off during the 2-0 defeat to Shamrock Rovers.

DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda moved back up to fourth last weekend thanks to an impressive 3-1 win at home to second-placed St Patrick’s Athletic.

A pair of stunning strikes from Dane Massey and Mark Doyle earned the Boynesiders a commanding 2-0 lead at the break.

Substitute Melvin Nehum-Lambert gave the Athletic hope late on but another replacement, Jordan Adeyemo, sealed the win for Drogheda in the closing stages.

“Big character shown by the lads. 2-0 up. If you concede at two up, and it goes to 2-1, it can get very edgy,” manager Tim Clancy told the club’s media team.

“Pats had ten minutes left but we showed good character to go on and get a third goal. With the near misses we’ve had so far this season, it’s good to get over that hoodoo.”

He added: “[It will be a] very difficult game, and Harps have had a really good start to the season, same as ourselves. They’ll be looking at this game for points.

“Another good result last week against Dundalk, first half they were excellent and then second half they showed grit and determination which they have loads of.

“We know it’s going to be very difficult, but we’ll prepare the best we can, and go up there and hopefully put in another good performance and come away with something positive.”

Gary Deegan misses out with suspension after bringing up his fifth yellow card of the season, while Mark Hughes and Dinny Corcoran miss out with injury.

Captain Jake Hyland, Hugh Douglas and Brandon Bermingham are struggling with knocks and will be assessed closer to the start time.

Referee: Derek Tomney.

MATCH STATS

It’s the second time the sides have met this season, the first tie between the sides having finished 1-1 at United Park, with goals from Karl O’Sullivan and Mark Doyle.

It’s the first time Tim Clancy’s side have visited Finn Park since the 2019 promotion/relegation play-off that saw Harps win 2-1 on aggregate following extra time.

The Boynesiders took a 1-0 first-leg lead into that game but Mark Russell’s early strike forced extra time before Harry Ascroft settled the tie in the added period.

BETTING

Finn Harps 6/4; Draw 15/8; Drogheda United 7/4.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 2 – 1 Drogheda United

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Ryan Connolly, Adam Foley, Sean Boyd, Stephen Folan, Johnny Dunleavy, Kosovar Sadiki.

Suspended: None.

Drogheda United

Injured: Dinny Corcoran, Mark Hughes.

Doubtful: Jake Hyland, Hugh Douglas, Brandon Bermingham.

Suspended: Gary Deegan.

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— Finn Harps FC (@FinnHarpsFC) May 21, 2021