Finn Harps will make the long trip south tonight to Wexford, where they will play the ‘Youths’ at Ferrycarrig Park, looking to halt a run of three successive defeats (kick-off 8.00pm).
Harps once again found themselves on the end of a defeat last weekend against Athlone Town at Finn Park.
“We didn’t function as a unit last Saturday night maybe too many changes were made,” said manager Peter Hutton.
“Our two central midfield players Sean McGowan and Shane McGinty were being asked to do too much due to problems in other areas. It was far too easy at times for their front players to get a hold of the ball, particularly in front of our two central defenders. We had opportunities to score but the post and a terrific save from Jennings denied us.”
In the lead-up to the game, Finn Harps Director of Football Felix Healy was critical of his teams defending from set-pieces in recent games which were resulting in giving away needless goals.
He had appealed for his team for more concentration at corners and free-kicks in the game against Athlone. However, once again, Harps found themselves giving away two goals from set-pieces.
“As I’ve been saying inside and outside the dressing room our inability to deal with set pieces has cost us at least 9 points, which would drive you crazy,” said Healy.
“We have been so comfortable at times this season in games but a set piece has undone all the good work.”
“Even last Saturday night, once we equalised, it looked like we would go on and win the game but unfortunately we couldn’t defend a corner and of course that does enormous damage to the confidence and belief of the team.”
Like last week, Harps are likely to make a number of changes to the starting eleven as they welcome back players from injury and suspension.
“Tommy McBride will come back into the side. Adam Clarke is fit and will also come back into the side and we are likely to give Matt Harkin his first start,” confirmed Healy. “Ciaran Gallagher may also make a return to the first team squad, which would be great news.”
On the trip south, Healy is confident that with a little more concentration, Harps can pick up a good result.
“Wexford are a big strong side but we have won at Longford and Waterford and are more than capable of getting a result, but only if we defend better from set plays,” he says.
Harps have had a mixed bag of results at the Wexford venue since the Youths came into the league. In six games at Ferrycarrig Park, they have won three and lost three.
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TEAM NEWS
Suspended: None.
Doubtful: Ciaran Coll (knee).
Injured: Keith Cowan (double hairline fracture ankle), Stephen O’Donnell (medial ligament).
Form Guide (last six league games)
Finn Harps: W-W-W-L-L-L (9 pts)
Wexford Youths: W-W-L-L-W-L (9 pts)
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Last six away games against Wexford Youths
23/06/2007 – Wexford Youths 0-1 Finn Harps (First Division)
20/10/2007 – Wexford Youths 0-1 Finn Harps (First Division)
25/04/2009 – Wexford Youths 2-1 Finn Harps (First Division)
17/10/2009 – Wexford Youths 1-0 Finn Harps (First Division)
03/07/2010 – Wexford Youths 3-0 Finn Harps (First Division)
22/07/2011 – Wexford Youths 0-2 Finn Harps (First Division)
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Finn Harps Goalscorers 2012
Kevin McHugh – 5 (1 in League Cup)
Adam Clarke – 4
Blain Curtis – 2
Paul Simon Tracey – 2
Thomas McMonagle – 1
Thomas McBride – 1
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Finn Harps Results 2012 (Harps goalscorers in brackets)
05/05/2012 – (FD) Finn Harps 1-2 Athlone Town (McHugh)
27/04/2012 – (FD) Mervue United 3-0 Finn Harps
21/04/2012 – (FD) Finn Harps 1-3 Limerick (Clarke)
14/04/2012 – (FD) Longford Town 1-3 Finn Harps (Tracey, McBride, Curtis)
09/04/2012 – (LC) Derry City 4-0 Finn Harps
06/04/2012 – (FD) Finn Harps 3-0 Salthill Devon (Clarke, McHugh, Curtis)
31/03/2012 – (FD) Waterford United 0-2 Finn Harps (Tracey, Waterford o.g.)
26/03/2012 – (LC) Finn Harps 2-0 Mayo League (Mayo o.g., McHugh)
24/03/2012 – (FD) Finn Harps 0-1 Wexford Youths
16/03/2012 – (FD) Athlone Town 2-0 Finn Harps
10/03/2012 – (FD) Finn Harps 4-3 Mervue United (Clarke, McHugh 2, McMonagle)
02/03/2012 – (FD) Limerick 2-1 Finn Harps (Clarke)
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