Harps look to end first quarter top of the First Division table

 
For the second week in a row, Finn Harps are involved in a top two battle as Ollie Horgan’s side aim to finish the first quarter of the season on top of the pile in the First Division.
Having defeated Athlone Town at Finn Park last weekend, it’s the turn of Wexford Youths – who leapfrogged the midlanders last weekend into second spot – to try to end Harps’ unbeaten start to the season when the sides meet at Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday evening.
Wexford are a team that many are tipping to be involved in the shake-up for the First Division title at the end of the season and Harps boss Ollie Horgan is certainly one of those that thinks they have what it takes to make the step up to the top flight.
“I feel Wexford have what it takes to get out of our Division,” said Horgan. “They are physically strong, have some very talented players and have a great workrate about them.
“They finished fourteen points ahead of us last year and Shane Keegan has made some very good additions since.
“Danny Furlong on his own almost scored more than our whole team put together last year. We couldn’t beat them over the four league games last season so we know how tough it will be home or away to Wexford,” he said of Saturday’s game.
Atlhough Wexford lost their opening two games of the season, they have won four on the trot since, including a 4-2 victory at Tolka Park against Shelbourne last Friday, and sit just two points behind Harps ahead of this weekend’s game. Both teams go into the game knowing that victory will guarantee them top spot as the curtain comes down on the first quarter of the campaign.
Harps are the only side who can still boast an unbeaten record in the league and also have the best defensive record of any side having conceded just two goals
On the team front, Ruairi Keating could miss out again while there are also doubts about Damien McNulty and Gareth Harkin. Packie Mailey remains sidelined.