SSE Airtricity Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Finn Harps
Friday, 15 October 2021
Kick-Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Graham Kelly
Waterford FC have the chance to close the gap to Finn Harps when the sides meet this Friday in the RSC for a vital Premier Division clash.
The Blues come into the game after a 1-1 draw with Sligo Rovers two weeks ago in The Showgrounds, where a second-half Phoenix Patterson goal saw Marc Bircham’s side take home a well-earned point after a long trip to the NorthWest.
Last weekend’s clash with Derry City was postponed due to international call ups.
The visitors come into the game after a 2-2 draw with Dundalk at the beginning of October. Despite taking the lead midway through the first half, the Donegal side found themselves 2-1 down before a second for Tunde Owolabi earned Harps a point.
The sides last faced each other in July when a goal from Junior Quitirna saw the Blues take the points. The sides last meeting in the RSC came back in May when two goals in quick succession saw Finn Harps take the spoils despite going behind.
Manager’s View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Finn Harps, manager Marc Bircham said:
“We’ve had a couple of days off but then we’ve been back into it straight away getting ready for this game [on Friday]. There’s been some tough games against Finn Harps this season already and there hasn’t been much between us so we’re expecting something similar.
“Ollie Horgan always has his team set up well and they’ll be hard to break down so we’ll really have to be on our game.
“We’re missing a couple through suspension but we have to focus on who we have. We want to win and we want to keep fighting. There’s no talk of Cup semi finals yet; our focus is on Friday night and trying to close that gap.”
Team News: Darragh Power and Prince Mutswunguma are both suspended following an accumulation of yellow cards.
