Finn Harps will look to put the disappointment of Monday night’s FAI Cup exit at the hands of Drogheda behind them when they host Mervue United at Finn Park tomorrow night. 
Harps were defeated 2-0 in Monday night’s replay against the Louth side after coming agonisingly close to dumping the Premier Division side out of the cup the previous Friday.
A combination of terrible refereeing and an individual mistake at Finn Park cost Harps dearly, the club should be looking be looking forward to a home cup semi-final against Dundalk but despite the disappointment of Monday the club hope to end the season strongly.
Peter Hutton said Monday night was disappointing for the team but said he was proud of the effort of the players, he also said it’s important the team maintain the high standards they have set for themselves in recent matches and that they finish the season out strongly.
Hutton said, “We as a group are bitterly disappointed to have lost to Drogheda on Monday night.
“We went into the game confident we could get a result but unfortunately that wasn’t to be the case.
“First half we were reasonably comfortable and kept our shape and discipline well and could even have taken the lead through Keith Cowan’s header from a corner,” said Hutton.
“Early into the second half though we had a lapse of concentration at the back and failed on at least two attempts to clear our lines and got punished for it.
“We regained our composure though and were again holding our own, then came the dismissal of Damien Mc Nulty, which certainly didn’t help our cause.
“Whilst I can sympathise with Damien’s instinct to support Michael Funston who had received a hefty challenge he was already on a yellow card and should have been more sensible and not got involved in such a situation.
“I had warned the players both prior to the game and during halftime to stay focused and not get involved in any skirmishes but we didn’t learn from Friday and our task was then made much harder.
“To their credit though the players gave it a go and the commitment and desire shown by each and everyone of them was magnificent.
“The players, although naturally disappointed, should take great heart from their performances and take that into the remaining League games.
“They have now set a level of performance that they should try to emulate for the remainder of the season.
Harps host Mervue on Friday night and will be hoping they can gain revenge on the Galway side after they inflicted the heaviest defeat of the season on Harps following the 4-0 defeat in July.
Kick off is at 8pm and fans can choose who they think has been the club’s Young player of the year and Player of the year.