Finn Harps haven’t won at Dalymount Park in 20 years – and Ollie Horgan says his side will have to overcome a ‘might battle’ to end that sequence tomorrow night.
Horgan says he expects a ‘backlash’ tomorrow at Dalymount after Bohemians lost to Sligo Rovers last weekend.
Harps are coming off the back of back-to-back losses to Derry City, last Friday in the League and on Monday after extra time in the EA Sports Cup.
“Bohs will be hurting after losing at home to Sligo last Friday night, so that won’t make our job of getting a result any easier,” Horgan said.
“They will be looking to consolidate their third place in terms of Europe qualification and we’re in a mighty battle just to try and stay in the Premier Division. Bohemians have a very good squad and have done really well for most of the season so far.
“We have lost to them twice already this season. While both results were only 1-0, the reality is that we have no points against them.
Danny Corcoran, who scored he winner against Harps at Dalymount, is out through an ankle injury, while Bohs are also without Rob Cornwall, Danny Grant and Robbie McCourt, while Derek Pender is suspended. The Gypsies will have James Talbot – currently in training with the Republic of Ireland senior team – available to play.
Horgan will welcome Jacob Borg and Sean Boyd back, but Mark Coyle will be suspended following his sending off at The Brandywell on Monday. Striker Nathan Boyle is rated as ‘doubtful’, Harps say.
Harps haven’t won in Phibsborough since Jonny Speak netted the only goal of the game in the spring of 1999.
Horgan said: “Look we are 21 points behind Bohemians. They are third in the table against and we are bottom and that is the gap that we have to try and bridge tomorrow night. But, the lads are ready to go and we’re determined to get a result at Dalymount.”
Michael Gallagher, John Kavanagh, Ciaran Gallagher, Gareth Harkin, Mark Timlin and Harry Ascroft are all on the absent list, but it is believed that Harkin and Timlin are nearing their respective returns to action.
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