SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Finn Harps v Bray Wanderers (Friday, 8pm)
FINN Harps and Bray Wanderers will rekindle what was once a great rivalry when they meet this evening in the SSE Airtricity League First Division in Ballybofey.
Back in the 1980s and 1990s, there were many epic clashes between the two sides who were frequently locked in battles for promotion, or indeed relegation.
And older Harps fans still reflect on the 1999 FAI Cup Final defeat - the one that got away. The final went to a second replay, with Bray coming from behind to win. Bray’s manager that day was Pat Devlin, who is now back at the club again as Head of Football.
In that same year, Dave Rogers - the new Harps manager - was playing for Ayr United. Fast forward to the present day, and Rogers is part of a new-look set up on and off the field with the Donegal club.
Harps are seeking a first win of the season, but face a Bray side who share top spot with Athlone Town, Galway United, and Cobh Ramblers with a 100 per cent record from two games, after successes against Treaty United and newcomers Kerry FC.
Reflecting on the 3-1 defeat away to Athlone, Rogers said: “Last Friday’s result was disappointing having gone in ahead at half-time but we now have an opportunity to learn lessons from the areas where we are being punished and go out and put them right. People hopefully understand that this is a brand new group of players who are gaining experience day by day and week by week so there will be bumps along the way.”
He continued: “The lads are raring to go ahead of Friday’s game against a very good Bray Wanderers side and have been working hard this week on the training ground, so hopefully we can kick on now and start winning football matches.
“Our supporters have been outstanding in both games so far this season both home and away and I know the Finn Harps faithful will get out behind this young squad again on Friday night and cheer them on all the way.”
Rogers has a full panel available for selection with the hope that new signing Noe Baba will be in the frame to feature if his clearance comes through in time.
The midfielder began his career with Castlebar Celtic, before coming through underage setu-ps at Fulham and Birmingham City. He made his senior debut with Macclesfield FC before returning to Ireland with Waterford for the second half of the 2018 season.
The 26 year-old has spent the past four years playing in Germany. He has also captained the Republic of Ireland at underage level.
“He will bring us valuable experience in the middle of the park as we felt this was an area where we required a touch more steel and physical presence,” Rogers said. “At 26, he is at a prime age with a vast amount of experience.”
