Drogheda United vs Finn Harps

• Gareth Penrose
• Thu, Oct 30 2008




Drogheda United take on Finn Harps on Friday night, and will be missing a number of key players for the clash. Finn Harps go into the game knowing they need to pick up as many points as possible, as they trail Cobh and Galway by a point with only three games to go.

Paul Skinner looks likely to make his first league start in goal, with first choice Dan Connor still out with a long-term injury, and regular stand-in Jamie Ewings struggling to be fit. 18 year-old Mick Clarke looks set to continue at right-back following his impressive showing in Cork two weeks ago.

Brian Shelley, Shane Robinson and Richie Baker are all suspended, though United do welcome midfielder Adam Hughes back from suspension. Up front, Guy Bates has returned to training this week and could possibly feature from the bench.

Manager Paul Doolin has said that the uncertainty around the club will not affect his players on Friday night. "It's as important a game as any other. We have to go out and do our job, play the match and aim for a win" he said. "Things are a bit up in the air at the minute, in terms of whether we will receive a points deduction, but we can't let it affect us."

He also noted the affect this game could have on the battle to avoid relegation. "We have to remember that as well as ourselves and Finn Harps, this game impacts on a lot of clubs around the bottom of the table, so it would not be fair to approach it any differently to our other games."

Finn Harps are without Shaun Mcgowan who is suspended. Cornelius Gallagher is out with a long term injury and Davy Byrne is unlikely to feature.

The game kicks off at 19:45.

Extratime Prediction: Finn Harps to earn a draw 1-1.