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Behold 'live' online football! Finn Harps -v- Athlone Town, RTE.ie, coverage commences at 7:30
Thought this moment would never come *sniff sniff*
Now, enough of that St. Pat's-esque carry on, a preview of tonight's all-important game:
Quote:
GOALKEEPER James Gallagher is a doubt for Finn Harps big home tie with Athlone Town tonight (kick off 7.55) with the Meenlarragh native reported to be struggling with the effects of an an ankle injury this week.
Gallagher did not take part in training on Monday night and was set to undergo a fitness test later in the week. Harps fans will hope that the custodian gets the go ahead to play having been in fine form this season, keeping no less than 20 clean sheets to help Harps hit the summit of Division One.
When he spoke to the Donegal News midweek, Harps boss Paul Hegarty was hopeful that Gallagher would shake off the injury, although he did note that if he didn't make up an able deputy is on hand to step into the breach: "At the end of the day, if James doesn't make it on Friday, Gavin Cullen can move in and do a job," said Hegarty.
Harps are boosted though as they welcome club captain Tony Shields back from suspension and the Strabane man should go straight in to the starting line-up, with John O'Loughlin a possible candidate to make way. Declan Boyle, meanwhile, has fully recovered from injury and will once again be pushing for a starting spot.
With just two games to go, Harps look on course to win their second First Division title in four seasons and tonight the RTE cameras will roll into Finn Park to broadcast the first 'live' game from the venue for the first time in nine years - the last being the drawn FAI Cup semi final with Shelbourne in 1998.
A big crowd should be in attendance for what is Harps' final match on home soil in the League and Harps officials have appealed to the North West public not to be tempted by the prospect of watching the game on TV.
Paul Hegarty feels that the occasion is perfect for his players to showcase their talents and has poured scorn on the notion that the TV attention will be a distraction: "I think that the game is a chance for the players to show what they can do. The TV coverage will give them the perfect opportunity to express themselves and to show how hard they have worked all season," said the Ballindrait man.
"People would say the opposite and would argue that it brings too much pressure, but I don't agree with that - I maintain that it is an excellent opportunity to show what you can do and I know if I was a player I would be embracing it.
"People in this part of the world cry about not being involved and what have you, but now we have this chance for us to show what we are made of. Whether you are here every week or not, it is a chance to show people outside of Donegal that we have a large soccer base here and I honestly believe that we will show them what a good club we have here."
Harps have now won eight games on the trot and lead they way by a point heading into the final two games. The memories of their last defeat in the League, which came at the hands of tonight's opponents, are still fresh in the memories.
"This week's game is no bigger than last week's or the week before that. We have to go out and get three points. We were beaten in Athlone nine weeks ago and we were beaten by a better side - it isn't too often that we have said that this year.
"We need to get a good start on Friday night and we need to get off with a good tempo. The players know what it is about. We need to have a good crowd getting behind us too. The players have put in a tremendous shift this year and I think they deserve that wee bit of appreciation.
"There is no reason that Finn Park can't be more vociferous. At the end of the day, if the crowd is vocal then it will make a difference. People mightn't think it, but it does transfer to the players."
Tonight's game has the slightly earlier kick-off time of 7.55 to facilitate RTE 2's 'live' coverage.
Some of the important stuff is in bold - saves me typing it out.
Anyway, VITALLY important that Harps win tonight as with just a single, easily-winnable game remaining after tonight's encounter the title will return to Ballybofey (following the mammoth 2004 conquest).
A slip up tonight would allow the other challenger Cobh Ramblers to gain advantage in the table should they defeat Monaghan on Sunday. Though, a Harps win and a Cobh defeat on Sunday will result in Harps being crowned champions. So a win is essential tonight, but with Athlone having caused a major upset in September by beating Harps nothing can be guaranteed as of yet.
James Gallagher - excellent 'keeper. Has been solid all season, and in the previous couple of situations he has saved penalties (with the aid of an almighty intimidating crowd).
Jonathan Minnock ("Minno") - holds the record for number of appearances in a Harps shirt - 400+. Now operates in the centre of defence.
Declan Boyle - was kicked out by the fool Gorman last year, now he's back and has had a fine season. Unfortunately he hasn't played recently due to injury and the good form of Paddy McLaughlin.
Shaun Holmes ("Holmer") - class act. Should start at left back. Capped by Northern Ireland back in the day. He is apparently drawing interest from Derry City, the side he represented last year.
Tony Shields - haven't seen him play a bad game this year, leads by example and for me he is kinda resemblent of Kevin Hunt of Bohs - very tidy and intelligent in his running.
Stephen Parkhouse - big lad who had to endure a terrible amount of abuse in the first quarter of the season, but he has reacted well and is now a regular in the side. Displays moments of sheer brilliance in almost every match, one of which (the 1st goal) can be viewed here.
Conor Gethins - little of box of magic. Top scorer in the division. Top player.
11-02-2007, 07:14 PM
Behold 'live' online football! Finn Harps -v- Athlone Town, RTE.ie, coverage commences at 7:30 Post #3
Behold 'live' online football! Finn Harps -v- Athlone Town, RTE.ie, coverage commences at 7:30 
) but 'MON THE HARPS 
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