Cork City make the trip to the other end of the country, looking to build on Friday night’s goal-fest in Ballybofey, as they face Finn Harps.
Cork City are sitting comfortably at the top of the table after GW7. They find themselves five points clear of the closest team, which would be Bray Wanderers, at this stage of the season. They are yet to lose this season, and have three wins on the trot, with their only slip-up coming in Cobh. It was goals galore on Leeside last Friday, as Cork City saw the game out, with a 4-1 scoreline to show for their efforts, against Athlone Town.
Finn Harps are narrowly in the play-off spots, by only one goal on goal difference. Harps had struggled to find their next win, following the three points they earned against UCD, on their first showing at Finn Park this season. Thankfully for Kevin McHugh’s side, their trip to the Midlands proved fruitful. Joel Bradley-Walsh slotted in his first goal of the season from the spot early on, and this proved to be enough for Harps to leave Longford as victors.
Key Information
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday 3rd of April;
Where to Watch: LOI TV;
Betting Odds: Finn Harps @11/2, Draw @16/5, Cork City @2/5;
Team News
As the International break concludes, Cork City will have three players back available for selection in Tom McGrath and Cillian Murphy, who were away with the Republic of Ireland Men’s U17 squad, and Brody Lee who was with the U19s.
Charlie Hanover will miss Friday’s encounter, while he recovers from his knee injury.
Harps will also be getting players back, as Gavin McAteer and Josh Cullen return from their International duties with the Republic of Ireland Men’s U19 squad. Corey Sheridan was also set to join the two, but withdrew with an injury.
Max Hutchinson has not featured in the Finn Harps squad for the last three games, and Aaron McLaughlin was not involved in the trip to Bishopsgate last Friday.
Key Statistics
Seani Maguire knows this fixture all too well, as he has found the back of the net eight times against Harps in a Cork City shirt.
The last time Finn Harps defeated Cork City was in October 2010, in a 1-0 win at Finn Park.
Key Players
Hans Mpongo was on fire last Friday Night, while this Friday he faces his former club, where he spent the second half of last season with. Mpongo racked up a goal and two assists against Athlone Town, and it was much deserved after the torment he put full-back Reece Webb through for the ninety minutes. The 23-year-old has shown glimpses of what he’s capable of, playing out wide as opposed to his usual No.9 role. The Dutchman has shown incredible pace, power and directness this season, which has been a big factor in the goals that have been scored for the Rebel Army.
Having Gavin McAteer back will be a very big boost for Kevin McHugh. The 17-year-old has made the No.10 position his own this season, showing an incredible passing range, along with immense close control, especially in tight spaces. He has one goal and one assist to his name this season, against Treaty United, in which the teenage sensation put his time on his back and single-handily earned them a point.
Previous Meetings
12/9/25 – Finn Harps 0-3 Cork City;
20/9/24 – Cork City 2-2 Finn Harps;
20/7/24 – Cork City 1-0 Finn Harps;
12/7/24 – Cork City 1-0 Finn Harps.