Finn Harps have an immediate opportunity to avenge last weeks defeat against Wexford Youths when they face the same opponents again this Friday in the FAI Ford Cup at Finn Park (kick-off 8.00pm).
Harps hoping Sean McCarron can score again
It will be a first ever meeting between the two clubs in this competition, and the third time the clubs have met this season. In early April, the two teams played out a scoreless draw at Finn Park before Wexford won last week’s meeting 2-1 at Ferrycarrig Park.
“It will definitely be a tricky game as it always is against Wexford but I certainly welcome the opportunity to play them so soon after the defeat last week as the players should require no motivation whatsoever as they are acutely aware that they underperformed,” said Harps manager Peter Hutton ahead of Friday’s game in Ballybofey.
“Last Friday nights result was very disappointing as was the overall performance,” he said.
“Up until we scored I thought we were doing fine and looked very comfortable, then we scored and completely stopped playing. Rather than take confidence from the goal we seemed to retreat and invited on Wexford to our detriment.”
Having gone into the lead through Sean McCarron – who scored for the fourth league game in a row – Harps looked comfortable. However, the game turned when Wexford were awarded a penalty, a decision Hutton feels was down to a lack of concentration.
“Yes as I suggested earlier we were very comfortable and enjoyed some good possession but once taking the lead, rather than kick on we became too cautious and hesitant which resulted in the concession of a free kick in a wide area, which in turn lead to the resultant penalty, again both situations easily avoidable with greater composure.”
Harps will have to plan for Friday’s game without the suspended Kevin McHugh. Damien McNulty looks like he will also miss out.
“Yes it looks like we will miss Kevin due to suspension but it gives someone the opportunity to come in and stake a claim for a place,” said Hutton. “Injury wise Damien Mc Nulty is still struggling with tendonitis but otherwise everyone else is fine.”
Wexford have a decent record against Harps, and in ten previous visits to Finn Park they have only left three times as a losing team. Harps have failed to win any of the last six meetings between the sides, with Wexford winning three and the other three games ending in draws.
Should Friday’s game finish in a draw, the replay will take place on Monday (3rd June) at Ferrycarrig Park at 7.45pm. That game would mean a third meeting between the two sides in the space of ten days.