- Paul Corcoran
- Thu, May 27 2021
FINN HARPS
Finn Harps will be looking for their second win in a row when they host Sligo Rovers at Finn Park in the Premier Division on Friday evening (kick-off 5.45pm).
After going three games without a victory, Harps returned to winning ways on Monday when they came from behind to beat Waterford at the RSC.
Second half goals from Barry McNamee and Adam Foley were enough to give the three points to Harps after Waterford had taken the lead in the third minute.
Manager Ollie Horgan returns to the dugout on Friday after serving a three match ban and he is expecting a tough game against the current League leaders, Sligo Rovers.
“Sligo are top of the table and deservedly so,” he said, speaking to the club’s website.
“If we’re not right to face them we could end up with a score similar to that in Dalymount a couple of weeks ago.
“We played out a close game with them last time with a mistake the only thing to separate us but they’ve kicked on now up the league and so it’ll be a big ask for us on Friday night.”
In team news, David Webster returns to the squad after serving his suspension for the game in Waterford. But Johnny Dunleavy, Stephen Folan and Barry McNamee are doubts.
SLIGO ROVERS
The Bit O’Red are flying high in the Premier Division so far this season with Liam Buckley’s side top of the table and having lost just one match.
Sligo went top of the table on Monday when they ran out 1-0 winners over Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium for their fourth win in a row.
Romeo Parkes 55th minute goal was the difference maker on the night as Sligo went a point ahead of the current Premier Division Champions.
“Finn Harps have done particularly well with some of the results picked up in recent weeks and I think both sides know this will be a difficult task,” Liam Buckley said, speaking to the club’s website.
“We don’t get ahead of ourselves despite the few wins we have had in recent weeks. “There is a good confidence within the group but we know the performance has to be delivered in every game if we are to keep picking up points.
“We look forward to game and trying to give a good account of ourselves again.”
Sligo have three absentees for this Friday’s fixture with David Cawley, Darren Collins and Danny Kane all missing out due to injury.
Referee: Paul McLaughlin
MATCH STATS
Sligo Rovers are unbeaten in six games.
Harps have lost their last two meetings with Sligo.
Adam Foley could move into the lead in the race for the golden boot with the Harps man currently level on six goals with Georgie Kelly and Mark Doyle.
BETTING
Finn Harps 12/5; Draw 21/10; Sligo Rovers 11/10.
PREDICTION
Finn Harps 1–2 Sligo Rovers
Finn Harps
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Stephen Folan, Johnny Dunleavy, Barry McNamee.
Suspended: None.
Sligo Rovers
Injured: David Cawley, Darren Collins, Danny Kane.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
