‘This is our Cup Final’ says Harps boss
Finn Harps manager James Gallagher is treating Friday night’s F.A.I. Ford Cup fourth round derby against Sligo Rovers as the Ballybofey team’s Cup Final.
"If Rovers have an off night or perhaps underestimate us and we play to our maximum potential, we have a chance," he maintains. With Harps’ First Division campaign somewhat disappointing amid some inconsistent performances, Gallagher and his players will be striving to cause an upset in order to keep the interest in their season alive.
"If we are knocked out of the Cup, it’s a long stretch to the end of the year. We are up against it, but you never know what can happen in a one-off situation like this.
"Rovers are in the top four in the Airtricity Premier Division and I am fully aware that Paul Cook has them playing some excellent stuff. From our point of view, we have improved as the season has gone on but our results just haven’t been consistent enough (Harps winning 7, drawing 6 and losing 10 matches prior to last Friday night’s home fixture with Salthill Devon)," he added.
The Harps manager acknowledged that his side would have to be at one hundred per cent and have his strongest possible eleven players available in order to give Rovers a tough test in the first ever F.A.I. Cup tie between the North West teams. "We have to be positive but it will be difficult. Perhaps we can catch Sligo on the hop, but if they are on top of their game and we falter at all, it might just be a bit much for us.
"However, it’s down to ninety minutes or thereabouts and you just never can tell. "We have some young players and some who are inexperienced in terms of playing in the Airtricity League. Yet, one of the most pleasing things for me as a manager has been watching these players improve and develop.
"They will be determined to do well and it’s all to play for from our point of view. I think Rovers have had a good record aganst us in the recent past but we will hopefully give it our best shot.
"Obviously, Sligo are at a different level to us and are doing very well in their league. Unfortunately, we are going nowhere in our own league this season and therefore it is important that we stay in the Cup if at all possible," said Gallagher.
