Finn Harps U17 manager Declan Boyle says three away points against Longford Town tomorrow (kick-off 1.00pm) is vital to the team’s bid to secure qualification for the knockout stages of the national competition.
“I suppose we are at the business end of the season with four big matches left, and five clubs looking to secure the third and fourth place playoff spots. So its imperative that we secure three big points against Longford” said Boyle.
Longford brought in up to a half dozen new players in July during the transfer window and according to the Harps manager the midlanders are now a better more balanced team and will be a difficult opposition for his side.
“Our performances of late have been very good, sometimes not getting the results that our play deserves, but if we can put in a good performance and work hard tomorrow the result will look after itself.”
The Harps U17s trained on Thursday night and Boyle was happy with the session. “Training was very good on Thursday night and the lads are full of confidence going into the match.”
In team news the manager is pleased to report that a number of players are back in the squad for tomorrow’s match following injury problems.
“We are starting to get players back from injury like Niall McGinley, Aaron Doherty, Ryan Doran and Declan Ward and they are all available for selection for tomorrow’s game. We are also missing a few players. Mark Walsh has been called up to the Irish international U17 team. Adam Byrne is still recovering from a toe injury and Liam McFadden is on holidays but they should all be back for the Shelbourne match next week” Boyle said.