- Philip Morrissey
- Thu, Feb 22 2024
FINN HARPS
The Donegal side look towards their first home game of the season in buoyant fashion as they welcome Cork City on Friday at 19:45.
It is on the back of an excellent comeback win away to Longford. Having been two down within 15 minutes, and losing Aaron McLaughlin to injury, the travelling fans expected the worse.
Goals from Success Edogun and Jamie Watson drew them level before a winning goal from teenager Mark Mbuli in the final minute.
He was one of four debutants in the lineup as Harps aim to shake off a disappointing season last year to get into the promotion race this year. Luke O’ Brien is most recent arrival as he joined on loan from St. Pats.
Darren Murphy urged the home fans to make their presence felt: “We’re hoping for a very entertaining game here (on Friday) and look forward to playing in front of our home support. We showed great character and resilience in Longford last weekend and hopefully we can carry that momentum forward and get another positive result.”
Aaron McLaughlin is has been ruled out after coming off in Longford and joins the injury list.
CORK CITY
It was also a winning start for the Leesiders who travel to Finn Park in confident mood.
Jack Doherty was the man of the moment as his debut saw him scoring a first half brace against Kerry.
He was one of seven new faces to make their debut for the club as they aim to shake off the disappointment of relegation last year.
Much of the talk after was some of the performances of the three academy players who made their first league starts for the club.
Manager Tim Clancy had no fears about featuring some of them again: “It’s a tough place to play but no tougher than playing at Turner’s Cross in front of 5,500. I thought that they dealt with that very well; with the occasion, the atmosphere and the importance of that first game.
"It will be a different challenge, but we will pick the side that will help us win the game on Friday.”
Some of the players who missed last week have returned to training and are expected to be in contention to play some part.
Referee: Marc Lynch
MATCH STATS
It’s the first set of games between these sides since 2020 due to relegations and promotions for both sides over recent years. In a campaign cut short due to Covid restrictions, an Alec Byrne effort proved to be the difference in a rare home win for Cork.
In the return game, a Rafale Cretaro equaliser kept the home side ahead of their relegation rivals after a Dylan McGlade opener. They ultimately finished eight whilst City ended up bottom.
BETTING
Finn Harps 12/5; Draw 5/2; Cork City 10/11
PREDICTION
Finn Harps 1-2 Cork City
Finn Harps
Injured: Kevin Jordan, Ryan Rainey, Conor Tourish, Aaron McLaughlin.
Doubtful: Sean O’ Donnell, Matty Makinson.
Suspended: None
Cork City
Injured: N/A
Doubtful: Greg Bolger, Malik Dijksteel, Darragh Crowley
Suspended: None
