Match Preview: Finn Harps v Longford Town FC (13/07/18)

SSE Airtricity League First Division
Finn Harps v Longford Town FC
Friday 13th July 2018
Finn Park | 8pm

Preview by James Donnelly

With Finn Harps just two points ahead of Longford Town with 32, Neale Fenn's men have a real chance of leap-frogging over the Donegal side and into fourth place on Friday night, should they perform at the high level we have seen them play at this season.

Last week, Longford lost out at home to a resilient and deserving Cobh Ramblers team. Their defensive tactics and counter attacking football in the last quarter of the game proved key as the Cork men grabbed a winner five minutes from the end after De Town had equalized through Sam Verdon. Sam, after picking up 5 yellow cards, is now suspended for Friday night’s clash with Ollie Horgans side.

Harps had a great win last week away to Drogheda United. In what was Drogs first home defeat of the season, John O’Flynn popped up in the 89^th minute to gain all 3 points for the visitors.

Last time Longford travelled up to face the Harps was back at the start of June. Town dominated Harps from the get go and were leading 2-0 at half time before Harps showed great character in getting two quick goals early in the second half to get back on terms. Longford dug deep however and got back ahead only minutes later, Sam Verdon again the goal scorer. Dylan McGlade who had scored one in the first half, killed the game off getting his second and Longford’s fourth to see all three points go to De Town. In the previous encounter at the City Calling Stadium, Longford were very unlucky when Harps grabbed a winner in injury time. A game full of action and incidents, Sam Todd got the all important goal to send Ollie Horgan home happy.

In terms of team news, Longford’s new signings are all available. Jamie Doyle, Dean Dillon, Warren Mitchell, Craig Walsh and new goal keeper Ben Kelly are all in. Alan Kehoe, Peter Hopkins, CIan Byrne and Dean Byrne are all out through injury while Sam Verdon is serving a 1 match suspension.

Finn Harps have signed Jacob Borg and he is available after getting international clearance during the week while Tommy McBride returns from suspension. The two O'Connor's have left the club. Harps big loss is Paddy McCourt who is out through injury along with Mark Coyle and Adam Duffy.