The top two in the First Division will battle it out at Fahy’s Field on Friday night with the winner poised to be top of the pile at the end of the game (kick-off 7.45pm).
Finn Harps boss Peter Hutton has watched his side come through all tests so far this season unbeaten, with the only dropped points coming in the opening day draw with Waterford United at the RSC – a venue where Friday night’s opponents won 4-0 last weekend.
Hutton knows that Mervue will be difficult opponents on Friday. “Mervue are a good team and possess quality players particularly in captain Tom King and Jason Molloy,” said Hutton.
“They have brought in some good additions like Gary Curran (formerly of Harps) but also lads such as Paul Sinnott, Joe Woods and Brendan Lavelle, who has helped fill the void left by Pat Hoban whilst young 16 year old Ryan Manning’s transition to senior level has left many putting him in the same bracket as Waterford’s now departed Seanie Maguire. So they will definitely provide a stiff test but it’s again one we are really looking forward to it will be a real test to our mentality also.”
Harps continued their fine start to the season last Saturday night when they ended Longford’s 100% start to the league campaign. Hutton certainly knows the value of the result for his side.
“Well it certainly wasn’t one for the footballing purist but it was a good three points against a good Longford team,” he said. “We were up against a stiff breeze in first half and struggled with the elements but Kevin (McHugh) took his goal really well and demonstrated what a top class finisher he is.
“Second half was again very much like the first – a battle. We created some good chances with Sean McCarron creating an excellent chance for himself but unfortunately lacked a little composure when shooting. Then soon after a superb cross from Marc Brolly should have been capitalised upon but unfortunately we failed to extend our lead.”
Hutton was also happy with how his team defended, and was delighted to keep a first clean sheet of the season. “The team as a whole defended extremely well as a unit against a strong and imposing Longford team and withstood their predicted set pieces fairly well,” he said. “I was delighted to keep a clean sheet. Ultimately clean sheets are the bedrock to a successful season. I think we defended resolutely although at times fortunate, but overall the back five did their jobs and held out against a team that had scored nine goals in their previous three games so it was important we gave nothing away cheaply.”
The Harps boss was full of praise for striker Kevin McHugh, who scored his third goal in two games. The front two of McHugh and Sean McCarron have now scored all six league goals for the club this season.
“Kevin took his goal extremely well and his hold up play was again an example to any young aspiring centre forward. Kevin has got himself in great physical condition and is leading by example in terms of what is required to play successfully at this level so his presence both on and off the field will undoubtedly help influence the younger players in a positive manner.”
Friday’s game will be Harps’ ninth against Mervue United since the Galway side were admitted into the League of Ireland in 2009 and their record at Fahy’s Field is poor to say the least. In eight previous games there, Harps have won only twice – the last victory coming in August 2010 – while last season’s 1-1 draw at the venue was the first time in five games that Harps came home with something from the games.
Tommy McBride is available for selection again having served a two match ban. Marc Brolly is a slight doubt as he attempts to shake off a flu bug. Ciaran Coll remains out.
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TEAM NEWS
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Marc Brolly (flu).
Injured: Ciaran Coll (cartilage tear).
Form Guide (last six league games)
Finn Harps: L-L-W-D-W-W (10 pts)
Mervue United: D-W-D-D-W-W (12 pts)
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Last six away games against Mervue United
07-Aug-10 – Finn Harps 3-1 Mervue United (First Division)
28-Mar-11 – Finn Harps 0-1 Mervue United (League Cup)
13-May-11 – Finn Harps 1-2 Mervue United (First Division)
29-Oct-11 – Finn Harps 0-1 Mervue United (First Division)
27-Apr-12 – Finn Harps 0-3 Mervue United (First Division)
31-Aug-12 – Finn Harps 1-1 Mervue United (First Division)
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Finn Harps Goalscorers 2013
Sean McCarron – 3
Kevin McHugh – 3
Thomas McBride – 1 (in League Cup)
Matt Harkin – 1 (in League Cup)
James Doherty – 1 (in League Cup)
Marc Brolly – 1 (in League Cup)
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Finn Harps Results 2013 (Harps goalscorers in brackets)
23-Mar-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 1-0 Longford Town (McHugh)
15-Mar-2013 – AL – Finn Harps 4-1 Cobh Ramblers (McCarron 2, McHugh 2)
08-Mar-2013 – AL – Waterford United 1-1 Finn Harps (McCarron)
03-Mar-2013 – LC – Mayo League 1-4 Finn Harps (Harkin, Doherty, Brolly, McBride)
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