Salthill Devon -v- Finn Harps

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Jun 13 2013




SALTHILL DEVON

Bottom of the league Salthill Devon welcome fourth placed Finn Harps to Drom on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

The Galway club will be hoping to pick up a win in their last game before the mid season break. They are going to have their work cut out due to some players being unavailable as they are currently sitting their Leaving Cert. What will be more of a concern to the management will be losing two players through suspension as they will see these as unnecessary absences. The guilty parties are Brian Geraghty and Willie Enubele while the two players who will have their heads in the books over the weekend are Tim Molloy and Alex Byrne.
 

To make matters worse there is concern that James Keane and Cian Fadden may be forced to miss the clash due to concerns about getting off work. This is something that we have begun to see more and more this season with tough economic times meaning players have to put football second.  
 

Derek O’Brien goes into this game as doubtful due to a niggling injury that he has picked up. An update on his situation won’t be available till just before kick off as he will have to undergo a late fitness test to determine whether he will play any part in this fixture.
 

There is some positive news for the home set of supporters as Graham Kelly is all set to return from suspension again while Craig Harding also makes himself available for selection after a recent absence.
 

Coach John Brennan admits that he is looking forward to the break as their small squad is becoming smaller with every passing week.
 

“We are almost at the break and it will be a welcome break for us. Brian Geraghty is still out with the hamstring strain, but picks up a one game ban also,  and I think Jamie (McGlynn) may also be struggling to make it.

 

"The lads have showed great courage and plenty of ability over the past few weeks - training has gone well and we will battle through every game."


 

FINN HARPS

Boss Peter Hutton stressed that it was important for his side to pick up all three points which would allow them to go into the break in a very healthy position in the table.

 

“It’s very important,” said Hutton on the need to pick up three points on Friday in Galway.  “We must now give all our focus and attention to the Salthill game.  It is also important that we enter the break on a positive frame of mind and so that when we return we are re-energised once more for the second half of the season.”
 

In the club's last outing Finn Harps were on the receiving end of a 3-2 home defeat. The build up to this game was dominated by Harps decision to issue suspension to four of its players. This was clearly not an easy decision for the manager to make.
 

“I think everyone is aware that the omission of the four players was something I wish I didn’t have to make but it was done so for the betterment of the team and the club. We are trying very hard to build this club on the right foundations, it is difficult and can be frustrating at times but their actions merely strengthened my resolve to turn this club around.

 

"There is too many good people associated with this club who give of their time and energy for free and for players to then behave in such a selfish manner was wrong and sends out the wrong message to all. "

 

Finn Harps just like Salthill Devon have a very diminished squad due to a high absenteeism rate. A heavy challenge in last week's game against Athlone means that Ciaran Coll will sit this one out with an ankle injury. Sean McCarron and Damian McNulty are both suffering from illness and have been listed as doubtful. Shaun McGowan, Paul McVeigh, James Doherty, Mark Forker are all once again unavailable for selection.

 

Referee: Andrew Mullally.


 

MATCH STATS

Finn Harps have come out with victories on nine of the eleven meetings between the sides.

 

This game is crucial for Finn Harps as there is only two points separating sixth and second so Harps know that a win could push them up one spot to second while a defeat may see them fall to sixth.

 

If Salthill Devon fail to win they will go into the mid season break with only one win to their name. This victory came against Cobh Ramblers.


 

BETTING

Salthill Devon 9/2; Draw 5/2; Finn Harps 4/7.

 

PREDICTION

With such a high number of players unavailable on both sides I think this game will only have the one goal in it but I do believe it will fall to the away team. Finn Harps to win 1-0


 

Salthill Devon

Injured: None.
Doubtful: Cian Fadden (Work Commitments), James Keane (Work Commitments), Derek O’Brien (niggling injury), Jamie McGlynn
Unavailable: Tim Molloy (Leaving Cert), Alex Byrne (Leaving Cert)

Suspended: Andrew Peters, Willie Enubele

 

Finn Harps

Injured: Ciaran Coll (ankle).
Doubtful: Damien McNulty (illness), Sean McCarron (chest infection).
Unavailable: Shaun McGowan, Paul McVeigh, James Doherty, Mark Forker.
Suspended: None.