League Preview: Finn Harps -v- Bohemians

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps will hope to secure their first Premier Division win of the season when they host high-flying Bohemians at Finn Park on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

Harps succumbed to a bitter derby day defeat to Derry City last time out and will hope to bounce back in the grand manner with a win over Bohs, who haven’t won at Finn Park since 2008.

Speaking ahead of the game with his club’s official media team, Harps boss Ollie Horgan admits that it will be difficult for his charges to get anything out of Friday night’s clash in Ballybofey.

“We haven’t won a game and that’s a fact that we can’t get away from going into the Bohs match,” Horgan said.  

“But the players still very much believe in themselves and will go out to win the game tomorrow night. Now, being realistic about it, not many will give us a chance of doing that.

“We have moved on from the Derry defeat and the focus has been on the Bohemians game since Saturday.

“They are a very good side and kept their good form going against Sligo Rovers last Saturday night. Keith Long and Trevor Croly have an excellent pool of players.

“They have only lost once this season so it’s going to be a really tough one for us to get a result.

“In the first game of the season up in Dalymount when we played them, Dinny Corcoran got the goal and it ended it 1-0.

“It came before half-time and after we had done quite well for a spell. They were much better in the second and we were on the back foot till the last ten minutes.

“We did push hard to get an equaliser but apart, I think, from one opening we didn’t create a real chance.”

Harry Ascroft, Mark Timlin, Sean Boyd, Gareth Harkin and Raffaele Cretaro all remain on the injury list while Colm Deasy is suspended after his horror tackle last week.   

BOHEMIANS

Second placed Bohemians will be looking to capitalise on any slip up from Shamrock Rovers when they make the long trip up north to face Finn Harps.

Bohs have the best defensive record in the Premier Division so far this season with only three goals conceded.

The Gypsies are second in the table, only eight points behind Rovers with two fewer games played than their fierce rivals on Dublin’s Southside.

Bohs centre-back Aaron Barry is hoping that he can benefit from the opportunity that may be presented to him this week in the absence of Rob Cornwall.

“It’s important to have strength in depth at any club and that’s what you want. But obviously I want to play,” he told the club’s website.

“Rob’s suspension will hopefully give me an opportunity. We’re going well at the moment and we are winning games but that can change quickly.

“We can’t get ahead of ourselves. There is a long season ahead and there will be plenty of twists and turns along the way.”

Christian Magerusan is the only injured player while Cornwall misses out through suspension. Scott Allardice is expected to return after his recent facial injury.

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps are winless in their last ten league games. Their last league victory came in a 7-1 thrashing of Cabinteely in September 2018.

Bohemians’ last win versus the Co. Donegal side in Ballybofey came all the way back in 2008.

Finn Harps have the worst defensive record of all teams in the Premier Division this term, having conceded 22 times thus far, while Bohs have the best with only three conceded.

BETTING

Finn Harps 10/3; Draw 12/5; Bohemians 5/6.

PREDICTION

Finn Harps 1 – 2 Bohemians

Finn Harps

Injured: Harry Ascroft, Sean Boyd, Gareth Harkin, Raffaele Cretaro, Mark Timlin.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Colm Deasy.

Bohemians

Injured: Christian Magerusan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Rob Cornwall.