LIAM Buckley has not been surprised by Finn Harps’ flying start to 2021.
The Sligo Rovers manager, whose side locks horns with Harps this evening, has called on his own side to maintain their own promising start.
The unbeaten north west foes clash at The Showgrounds with Buckley looking for his men to push on from last week’s draw against champions Shamrock rovers.
“It was a good performance last week and a good result in the context we were playing the league champions,” Buckley said.
“That said, I do feel we can improve in some areas. We would like to get more chances and you will get more as you move up the levels of performance.
“ That’s what we’re seeking. Offensively there is more in us. This is an important game for us and it’s a difficult one as well.
“If you don’t bring an intensity to each game and match the opposition in that, you’re going to be in a spot of bother in this league. Every game will bring that challenge.”
A dramatic win over Waterford last weekend, when Dave Webster netted a last-gasp winner, saw Harps join St Patrick’s Athletic on ten points.
Buckley said: “This is going to be a difficult match for us. I’m not surprised by how Finn Harps have started and I don’t think many are surprised either. They’ve got top players in their squad.
“Kosovar Sadiki was brought over from Scotland, Dave Webster’s gone there from Pat’s, Barry McNamee from Derry, Shane McEleney from Larne and Will Seymore from ourselves.
“They’re all very good players to name just a few so it’s not a surprise that they’ve pushed on and been unbeaten so far.”
Former Harps defender Shane McEleney is rated as doubtful for the Bit O’Red and will have a fitness test before the game.
