League Preview: Dundalk -v- Finn Harps

• Paul Corcoran
• Sun, Feb 27 2022




DUNDALK

Dundalk will be looking for their first win of the season when they host Finn Harps at Oriel Park on Monday night (kick-of 7.45pm).

The Lilywhites have two draws to their name after their opening two goals of the season but they will be looking to add three points to their tally to keep up with the top of the table at this early stage of the season.

On Friday night they played out their second 2-2 draw in a row when they faced Bohemians at Dalymount Park.

They had to come from behind twice to claim that point with Jordan Flores and Promise Omochere putting the Gypsies in front twice with Patrick Hoban and Steven Bradley equalising each time for Dundalk.

“We’re a little disappointed that we only came away with a point,” Head Coach Stephen O’Donnell told the club’s media team.

“We feel like we should have taken all three – especially after our second half performance where there was only one team who looked like they would win the game which was us.

“We showed good character to get back in the game twice – especially after their first goal when we scored straight away – and that’s a good trait to have, and we dominated the second half. I don’t think Bohemians had a shot at all in the second period.

“It was similar to the Derry game on the opening week, where I felt that we were the team that was going to win the game. It felt that the worst we would get was a draw in both matches and that’s how it turned out.

“We just have to focus and move on to the next game now against Harps on Monday night. Coming so shortly after Bohemians, it’s going to be a tough game but, hopefully, we can get our first win of the season and that will set us on the way.”

In team news the Lilywhites’ Patrick Hoban and Greg Sloggett come into Monday with knocks – although they are expected to shake them off ahead of the Harps game. John Mountney remains sidelined with a knee injury.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps are also looking for their first win of the season, although they have just one game played so far this campaign after their opening game of the season was postponed due to an unplayable pitch.

On Friday night they picked up their first point of the season when they played out a scoreless draw with UCD at the UCD Bowl.

“Two games over a weekend is a tough enough ask, but both of them being away from home makes it that bit more difficult again,” Manager Ollie Horgan said, speaking to the club’s website.

“We’ve been on the wrong side of some heavy defeats at Oriel Park in my time and while there’s been a lot of change there in the last year or two there’s no denying the quality they have at their disposal.

“For us, we’ll see who is ready to play after picking up a few knocks on Friday and take it from there. Hopefully we can keep it tight with only a goal or so in it near the end to give us a chance of coming away with something.”

Horgan will return to the dugout having served a one match suspension for the UCD game. Regan Donelon, Yoyo Mahdy, Ryan Connolly and Ethan Boyle are still doubts for the Donegal side.

Referee: John McLoughlin

MATCH STATS

Both sides are unbeaten but are also searching for their first win of the season.

Dundalk and Harps were evenly matched across their four meetings in the Premier Division last season with two draws and a win each.

The side also met in the FAI Cup quarter finals with Harps holding Dundalk to a 3-3 draw at Finn park before the Lilywhites progressed with a win at Oriel Park in the replay.

BETTING

Dundalk 3/4; Draw 12/5; Finn Harps 16/5.

PREDICTION

Dundalk 1–0 Finn Harps

Dundalk

Injured: John Mountney.

Doubtful: Greg Sloggett, Pat Hoban.

Suspended: None.

Finn Harps

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Regan Donelon, Yoyo Mahdy, Ryan Connolly and Ethan Boyle.

Suspended: None.