Harps in confident form after first away win

Finn Harps go into tonight's north-west derby against Derry City in confident form after picking up their first away win of the season against Cobh Ramblers on Friday night, kick-off 8.00pm.

The biggest crowd of the season is expected at Finn Park to see if Harps can finally end a miserable run of results against the Candystripes.

Harps have failed to beat their north-west neighbours since an Alex Nesovic strike gave the Ballybofey side a 1-0 League Cup victory over Derry nine years ago.

Harps continue to have Jonathan Minnock, Cornelius Gallagher and Aaron Labonte unavailable.

Marc Brolly missed the game in Cobh and is expected to be unavailable again, while Gavin Cullen is likely to continue in goal as James Gallagher is still troubled with a hip injury.

Harps boss Paul Hegarty felt it was a strange game, but was more than happy to pick up the three points.

He said: "It was a strange match. We were on the back foot early on and could have been two or three down, but by half-time we could have easily led by four.

"In fairness to the boys, they showed a lot of character and I was pleased with that."

Derry for their part have won their last two games – against Cobh Ramblers and UCD – and currently sit in third place, six points behind leaders St Patrick's Athletic.

Sammy Morrow remains out for City with a cruciate injury, while Sean Hargan is struggling with an ankle problem.

Paddy McCourt is out with a back injury and Eugene Ferry remains out, although he is back training after a metatarsal injury.