Graham Cummins: Futures on the line as Harps take on UCD 

DOGFIGHT: Finn Harps manager Ollie Horgan. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

Tonight’s relegation clash against Finn Harps is a game that UCD cannot afford to lose if they are to have any chance of avoiding relegation. A Harps victory would increase Ollie Horgan’s team’s lead over the students to five points. Although that deficit might not be impossible to overturn, I fear what defeat would do mentally to UCD. 

Harps are an experienced side. Yes, a loss at the UCD Bowl would dent their own hopes of survival, but they have been in similar positions in the past and have a track record of getting out of difficult situations. I think they would be able to pick themselves up, whereas I’m not sure a young UCD side would be mentally strong enough to recover.