Finn Harps could make changes for trip to Dundalk tonight

Finn Harps are likely to make a number of changes for tonight’s trip to Dundalk in light of the fact that it follows hot on the heels of Friday night’s scoreless draw away to UCD.

New-look Harps gave debuts to six players in the game against the students, but assistant manager Gavin Dykes has hinted that there could be a bit of tinkering in the line-up.

“It’s a quick turnaround after Friday and that is the hugely challenging part for clubs that are not full-time,” he noted.

But he was encouraged by the display against UCD.  “For a first competitive performance, that was very positive. It is something for us to build on. It was a point away from home and a clean sheet.”

He felt that the new faces had acquitted themselves well. “It’s good, we are off and running,” he added.

Dundalk go into this evening’s game on the back of two 2-2 draws, at home to Derry City and then away to Bohemians on Friday.

Dykes realises that the Louth side will be anxious to notch up a first win of the campaign, and will see this as a good opportunity.

Finn Harps held to a draw by UCD

Having had a dreadful record against Dundalk for over a decade, Harps had some notable results against the Oriel Park outfit last year.

In their first away game last season, Harps shocked Dundalk with a 2-1 win. The Donegal side hadn’t beaten Dundalk in any competition since a 2-0 win in a play-off in November 2007, and you had to go back to May 2006 for their last win at the Co Louth venue.

Harps also drew in two of the three other league clashes last year while in the FAI Cup they came from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 before losing out in 3-1 in a quarter-final replay.

Dykes knows that those displays count for little now, but at least some of his squad go into the game with a belief that they can get something from the game while the players that have come have no preconceived notions or fears about Dundalk.

Like Harps, Dundalk have seen a big turnover in players during the close season, and actually had eight debutants against Derry. They, too, are expected to make a couple of changes for tonight’s game. But such is the strength of their squad that they are likely to have between five and eight former league title winners in their side.

Meanwhile, influential Dundalk midfielder Robbie Benson told Dundalkfc.com: “Coming so shortly after Bohemians, it’s going to be a tough game but, hopefully, we can get our first win of the season and that will set us on the way.”

“It’s a huge game against Harps,” he continued.. “These are the weeks where you can get punished for falling away if you don’t pick up the points in the midweek games. During my last time at the club, we did really well whenever we had three games in a week.

“I think the lads who came off the bench on Friday will play a big part and that shows the strength that we have in the squad,” he added. “We know that whatever team goes out on any night will be able to get the job done, that is the quality we have.”

One suspects that a share of the spoils would be greeted with open arms by those in the Harps camp. Dundalk won’t want to drop more points on home soil, and will be fancied to secure the win.

Harps, who had their opening game of the season against Drogheda United postponed due to snow, will have their first match at Finn Park on Friday when they host Bohemians.

Harps manager Ollie Horgan, having served a one-game ban on Friday, will be back in the dug-out for the Dundalk game.

Kick-off at Oriel Park is 7.45 pm.