Finn Park is the venue for a huge game at the bottom of the table this Sunday as Cork City make the trip to Ballybofey. The sides come into the game separated only by a point, while the visitors have a game in hand.
The Leesiders arrive in search of their first away victory in over a year. They will be hoping the extra preparation afforded by last weekend’s tie with Dundalk being postponed will give them a lift in what is a pivotal clash in the relegation battle.
Speaking ahead of the game, Harps defender Stephen Folan was keen to stress that Harps can’t be slow to get into the game; “We owe it to Ollie and Paul to come out of the blocks here and get after them straight away. The first half at Shelbourne we didn’t start at all and didn’t get into the game until the second half. It shouldn’t take a rollicking at half-time to get us into gear. Hopefully we can get a couple of goals and keep a clean sheet so we have something to build on now for the rest of the season.”
Manager Ollie Horgan predicts a close game on Sunday: “Cork are a good side despite their league position, it’s a very strong league this year and there’s a lot of quality up and down the table. They got a good point themselves at Shelbourne a couple of weeks ago so there isn’t much between the teams and it’s going to be a very close game.”
Harps will be without David Webster and Ollie Horgan who are suspended. Mark Timlin remains out while Ruairi Harkin and Mark Russell are both nursing knocks and are doubtful.
While it had been hoped the game would see the return of Harps season ticket holders, a recent surge in COVID-19 cases in the county saw an escalation to level three and so the game will be played behind closed doors once again.
The match will be broadcast live on watchloi.ie for just €5.
Sunday’s match programme includes an interview with Mark Tighe, Stephen Folan and a tribute to the late John Kennedy of Cork City FC. Get your copy here
Suspended: David Webster, Ollie Horgan
Injured: Mark Timlin
Doubtful: Ruairi Harkin, Mark Russell