SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Finn Harps -v- Waterford FC
Friday, 9th July 2021
Kick-Off: 5:45pm
Referee: Derek Tomney
Waterford FC make their second long away trip in a row for an important clash with Finn Harps on Friday evening.
The Blues come into Friday’s game after suffering a 2-0 defeat at the hands of Derry City last weekend and Marc Bircham’s side will be hoping to secure all three points in their second long trip.
Friday’s hosts Finn Harps come into the game on the back of a 3-1 defeat against Drogheda last Friday evening as they sit 8th in the league table – seven points ahead of the Blues.
The sides last met back in May when two goals in the space of 90 seconds saw Finn Harps come from behind to take all three points against the Blues in the RSC. The sides last meeting in Finn Park came in April when again Ollie Horgan’s side came from behind to beat the Blues 2-1. Of the sides last 29 fixtures, the Blues have won on nine occasions with six draws between the sides.
Managers View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match, manager Marc Bircham said:
“I was disappointed with how things went last Friday in Derry. I know we are a much better side than a 2-0 loss but that’s football. We gave away a poor goal right before half time and that was disappointing and couldn’t get going until near the end.
“We’ve lost some players and we’re working on getting more bodies in so hopefully we’ll have some of those for Friday night but we have to wait and see if they’re finalised in time.
“Obviously it is a lot of travelling in the space of a week but that’s just how the fixtures have fallen. We need to forget about that and focus on trying to get three points out of there, and close the gap to four points.
“We saw how much fight they have in them when they came down here a few weeks ago but I think if we play how I know we can, we have every chance.”
Team News: Daryl Murphy and Oscar Brennan miss out, while Eric Molloy has left the club after the conclusion of his contract. Further additions are expected in the coming days.
