Funston McGowan and Bonner miss Harps trip to Shels

Finn Harps make the trip to Tolka Park to face Shelbourne on Friday evening on the back of a run of fixtures that has seen them lose just once in ten games (kick-off 8.00pm).
It’s a confident Harps that will take to the field against Shels, having conceded only once in their last six outings – that coming from the foot of Glen O’Connor whose late free-kick gave Longford a 1-0 win at Finn Park last month.
While Harps have proven difficult to score against in the last couple of months, the same can be said of Harps when it comes to scoring goals. The two home games against Cobh and Galway in the last fortnight have seen scoreless draws and while Harps boss Ollie Horgan is happy to keep clean sheets he is also aware that his side don’t score enough goals.
“I have said that many times before – we are difficult to beat but find it difficult to beat other teams also,” said Horgan.
“We have defended well in recent games, ran our luck a little at times but were brave and disciplined on Friday night against Galway.
“I am happy with effort put in by the players, it certainly wasn’t for lack of effort that we didn’t score in the last two games. Galway are a decent side and will be in the shake up at end of season.
“Obviously I would have liked to have got three points out of game but unlike the draw the previous week against Cobh I didn’t look on the result as two points dropped. The result could have gone either way, especially in second half when game opened up,” continued Horgan as he reflected on the Galway game.
Horgan’s defensive unit will have to change for the trip to Tolka Park on Friday as a number of players will be missing because of suspension. Josh Mailey is available again after missing last week’s game through suspension. However, Michael Funston is still banned and serves this last of his three match suspension while Keith Cowan and Caoimhin Bonner will also miss out for the same reason. Tommy McMonagle is a doubt.
Shels hold the upper hand in the meetings between the sides this season. The early season meeting at Tolka Park finished in a 2-0 win for the hosts while the game at Finn Park in May finished in a 1-1 draw.