Preview: Finn Harps v Cobh Ramblers – Friday 15th March

On the back of last weeks great 5-0 against Wexford Youths at St.Colman’s Park, Ramblers now face the long trip to Ballybofey to face Finn Harps on Friday, (kick-off 8.00pm) who play their first home game of the season. Last week Harps’ Sean McCarron gave Manager, Peter Hutton’s side a deserved share of the spoils with an 89th minute equaliser against Waterford United at the RSC.

“I fully expect Cobh to be dark horses this year and will do a lot better than what many people predicted,” said Hutton of Friday’s visitors. “Dave Hill is a shrewd manager who will have them extremely well organised and disciplined defensively so will give very little away but they also possess a real goal threat in Conor Meade and Davin O’Neill. Cobh have recruited very well in the off season with experienced League of Ireland campaigners returning to the fold and that matched with some talented young players gives them a good balance throughout their squad. They will do well this season,” feels Hutton.

“Again we will look to the positives from the Waterford game and try to work on eradicating the silly mistakes with a focus on Cobh at home. The point away to Waterford is worthless if we don’t get something from the Cobh game,” warns the Harps boss.

On the team front, Harps will have to plan without the suspended Tommy McBride who was sent-off late in the game at the RSC on Friday. Ciaran Coll remains sidelined, but other than that Hutton has a full squad to choose from.

Ramblers, whos EA Sports Cup game again Waterford Utd on Monday night had to be postponed dues to weather conditions, will be looking to continue their current good form, travel north with a full-strength squad. The EA Sports Cup game has now be rescheduled for Tuesday 19th March at the RSC with a kick-off time of 7.45pm.

Match Officials for the game:
Referee: R.Matthews
Assistant: A.Sherlock
Assistant: A.Dunne
Fourth Official: E.O’Shea
Ramblers’ last six away games to Finn Harps
22-Apr-06 – Finn Harps 1-1 Cobh Ramblers (First Division)
09-Sep-06 – Finn Harps 1-2 Cobh Ramblers (First Division)
25-May-07 – Finn Harps 0-1 Cobh Ramblers (First Division)
28-Sep-07 – Finn Harps 1-0 Cobh Ramblers (First Division)
07-Mar-08 – Finn Haprs 2-1 Cobh Ramblers (Premier Division)
22-Aug-08 – Finn Harps 2-2 Cobh Ramblers (Premier Division)