Finn Harps will be aiming to extend their unbeaten run to four games and record a first home win of the Airtricity League Premier Division when they take on Sligo Rovers in tonight’s eagerly awaited north-west derby. (Kick-off at Finn Park is 7.45 pm).
Harps go into the game one point above their great rivals who chalked up their first win of the season by beating Bray Wanderers 3-2 last time out.
Last year, Harps drew twice in the Showgrounds and notched up their biggest win of the campaign by beating the Bit o’ Red 3-0 in Ballybofey. How they would dearly love a repeat of that!
However, Harps boss Ollie Horgan is expecting a much tougher game this time around.
After a disappointing opening four games, Rovers will be hoping that last week’s win will really kick-start their season, and take a bit of pressure off manager Dave Robertson.
Horgan made the short trip south to see their last game, and singled our striker Kieran Sadlier as the danger man, and a person that Harps will have to keep a close eye on.
“People were talking about Sligo’s poor start to the season until last Saturday night at the Showgrounds when they had an excellent win over Bray Wanderers, who had been going well. Last season Sligo finished 17 points above us in the table, so they are a quality side with the likes of Kieran Sadlier and Raphael Cretaro there. “
“Sadlier was outstanding against Bray. Dave Robertson has also added to his squad by signing the two Donegal lads, Kyle McFadden and Sean Patton. We have only got a point at home this season so that has to change very quickly if we are going to stay in the Premier Division.”
He continued: “We will have to be at our very best to win because Sligo will be coming to Finn Park full of confidence after the relief of getting that first three points last Saturday night.”
Meanwhile, the death of Derry City captain Ryan McBride last Sunday was a particularly big loss for a number of those in the Harps set-up.
Current Harps assistant manager Paul Hegarty was involved in team management at the Brandywell as McBride’s career developed, and a number of players in the Harps panel also played with him.
On the team front, Harps will definitely be without Ethan Boyle who has been called up to the Republic of Ireland squad for this today’s UEFA U21 Championships Qualifying Round Group 5 fixture against Kosovo at the Tallaght Stadium.
Horgan also has concerns over the fitness of veteran midfielder Barry Molloy and striker Ciaran O’Connor.
Harps latest signing, Haiti international Pascal Millien, will not be eligible to play as he is still awaiting his work permit to come through.
The match officials for tonight’s game are all affiliated to the IFA.
Enniskillen’s Arnold Hunter, a FIFA referee since 2011, will take charge, assisted by Richard Storey and Gavin Hegarty while the fourth official is Declan Hassan.
