v Harps.

[nigel-harps1954]

Hope there are a few of you making the trip up. Currently on the road as I type I'd imagine.

Hannigans Barca Bar is the sponsor for the match tonight. Bar is directly beside the ground, feel free to pop in before the match for a chat and a pint.

Safe travels folks.

[ForzaForth]

Useful point secured in Ballybofey tonight by the Youths after a battling performance in match of relatively few chances. Flu apparently took a few of the starters out from last week, notably CJ and Rocks, and Youths started with Graham, Jimmy, Jamie, Gary, Corkey, Deano, Glenn, Shane, Eric, Crokey and with Joey up front. First fifteen was fairly dull with Harps shading it and during which Joey got a yellow for a tackle. First decent effort was on the fifteen mark when Brolly made space down his left wing but shot wide. McMonagle then went off for Harps with Doherty coming on. On the 22 mark, Harps had another effort wide from a shot from outside the box. McVeigh then picked up a yellow for a tackle and with six to go best chance fell to the Youths when Joey was found down the channel with a quick free-kick but his dink on the turn went just wide. With four to go a Harps free bounced round the Youths box but never fell to a Harps player and right on the blow, Shane Nolan had a free just over the bar after a Harps yellow fora pull-back for 0-0 at half-time. Harps had just shaded the first 45 but very few decent chances created on either side.

[ForzaForth]

Second half started in same vein with both sides working hard and if either side could nick a goal, they would be likely to get the three points. After two minutes, cowan got a yellow for a tackle on Shane. On six, Shane had a deflected shot which Gallagher was able to grab. On the quarter-hour, Jamie got a yellow for a tackle. Midway through the half, Glenn was put through for a one-on-one with Gallagher but the latter was able to save with his legs to leave the match at 0-0. With thirteen to go, Eric got a yellow for a tackle and Graham had to push the resulting free from McHugh over the bar for a corner. With ten to go, the useful Brolly went off for Harps and Caolan came on for Glenn. With five to go, Graham did well to push another McHugh shot away. Daryl Power was a late sub for the Youths and the match ended with another shot just over the bar from Harps for 0-0 at fulltime.

[ForzaForth]

Best for Wexford were probably Gary and Jamie in the middle of the back four who kept the Harps forwards relatively quiet. Joey worked his socks off in a lonely role up front while the rest of the team did well to match a physically stronger looking home team. Best for Harps were probably Brolly and especially Funston (no. 8) who did all the prompting from midfield. 0-0 at full time.

[nigel-harps1954]

Thought it was a fairly terrible game. Harps clearly missing a few key players, while there were injuries to one or two on the field which was visible too.

Wexford are the fittest side I've seen in Finn Park in many years though. Must have done a superb pre-season workout. Kudos for that.

664 being the attendance for those interested.

[ForzaForth]

Nigel

Yeah - not the greatest game. Was going to say about Harps, look very fit and strong this year.

[nigel-harps1954]

Nigel

Yeah - not the greatest game. Was going to say about Harps, look very fit and strong this year.

Very fit and strong team this year, but that's the weakest we've looked yet would you believe? Couple of players playing through injury and a couple of tired heads out there. Still missing a few key players which will add greatly to our squad.
Wexford won't be too easily beaten by many teams this year I'll guarantee that.