League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Bray Wanderers

Bray Wanderers make the trip northwards to Ballybofey on Friday evening to take on a Finn Harps side desperate to pick up points to avoid the League of Ireland relegation play-offs (kick-off 8pm).

FINN HARPS

On Tuesday, Finn Harps earned an important away point to Sligo Rovers. That point was the first the Donegal side has managed since beating Galway United back at the start of July. A nine-game run of losses followed that victory with Ollie Horgan’s men conceding 18 times and only managing to register goals of their own in the 3-2 defeat to Galway United.

Harps, five points ahead of Wexford Youths with a game in hand, will face a Bray Wanderers side who have been in superb form lately. Harps boss Horgan is very aware of tough task his side face if they hope to earn points against the high flying Seagulls.

“The stats show that Bray actually has a better results record than Dundalk and Cork City recently. So that shows you the scale of the challenge that we are facing at Finn Park tomorrow night. Harry Kenny strengthened his squad mid-season with three or four quality signings. I saw them play recently and they were really impressive,” Horgan said.

In team news Horgan is going to be critically short of attacking options with striker Ruairi Keating definitely out after sustaining ankle ligament damage early in the first half against Sligo Rovers on Tuesday night. Another forward, Dave Scully, is ruled out again as he completes a two-match suspension while veteran attacker Kevin McHugh will also be absent after sustaining a serious hand injury on Wednesday evening during an underage coaching session that he was conducting at the Aura (McHugh tweeted a graphic picture of his injury as he drove himself to hospital – WARNING: Link contains high graphic image of his injury).  Adam Hanlon is also a doubt due to a persistent knee problem.

Ryan Curran will likely start up front with B.J. Banda as the back-up striker on the bench. On the plus side for Harps, Ciaran Coll is expected to return to the starting 11 after missing the Sligo trip due to a one-match ban and Tony McNamee could also feature from the start after being used as a sub on Tuesday night.

The manager will also have Tommy McMonagle back after the defender did not feature in the squad at the Showgounds and Mark Coyle will again be part of the matchday squad. 

BRAY WANDERERS

Bray Wanderers might wish the season wasn’t ending as their form over the last few months has been impressive. They travel to Finn Park having won their last five games, scoring 13 goals and conceding only three. Three of those five games were away from home.

Apart from a 4-0 defeat to Cork City six games ago, Bray haven’t lost a match in the league since the end of May. That has resulted in a 6^th place in the table with the possibility of capturing 5^th should their form continue apace.

Bray have already lost this season in Finn Park (1-0 loss in April) and, despite their vastly contrasting form, manager Harry Kenny is expecting a tough game once more in Donegal.

“Preparing for a longer trip is different. It is three hours each way. Nutrition is very important as is headspace. We will be staying calm and concentrated,” Kenny told the club website.

Finn Harps got a well-earned point against Sligo Rovers on Tuesday night and when we previously visited Finn Park earlier in the season the Seagulls were defeated. Finn Park is no walk in the park. We approach this game with serious intent.”

Bray Wanderers have no injury or suspension worries ahead of the game.

Referee: Paul McLaughlin

MATCH FACTS

Finn Harps and Bray Wanderers have met each other 57 times, and it stands at 19 wins a piece. Each team has won 11 times in Finn Park with Harps edging the goals for count with 60 goals versus Bray’s 59.

Ryan Curran is Harps top scorer this season with six goals. Ger Pender is Bray Wanderers leading scorer also with six.

The sides have met in the league twice this season. Each side has managed a 1-0 home victory.

BETTING

Finn Harps 11/4; Draw 12/5; Bray Wanderers 10/11

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 - 2 Bray Wanderers

TEAM NEWS

FINN HARPS

Injured: Ruairi Keating (ankle), Kevin McHugh (hand)

Doubtful: Adam Hanlon (knee)

Suspended: Dave Scully

BRAY WANDERERS

Injured: None

Suspended: None