Soccer
Saints look to continue winning return at Harps
By Daire Walsh
ST PATRICK’S Athletic will be hoping to maintain their winning run in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division when they face Finn Harps in Ballybofey tomorrow evening (kick-off 8pm).
Returning from a three-week break, the Saints secured a 2-0 win over UCD at Richmond Park on Friday.
Firhouse native Eoin Doyle bagged a brace of goals for the Inchicore men and while Alex Nolan fired back late on for the Students, it was not enough to deny Tim Clancy’s charges.
Now back on home soil after a lengthy stint in the UK, Doyle is up to seven goals for 2022 and has his sights set on enhancing his personal stats in the League of Ireland top-flight.
The former Shamrock Rovers and Sligo Rovers striker was on target when Pat’s recorded a 2-0 triumph over Harps at Finn Park back in March with the other goal coming from Jack Scott.
The same margin separated the two sides at Richmond Park a month later and Doyle also helped himself to a double in that game.
There is no reason why he cannot inflict similar damage on Ollie Horgan’s men tomorrow and put the Saints in a confident mood ahead of their home clash with defending champions Shamrock Rovers on Monday.
A Chris Forrester finish propelled Pat’s towards a 1-0 success when the Hoops visited Inchicore on March 4 and motivation will certainly not be an issue in advance of that mouthwatering game.
Meanwhile, the Saints are set to begin the defence of their FAI Cup crown with an opening round tie against Waterford on the week ending July 31.
As part of a draw that was conducted at FAI HQ in Abbotstown on Tuesday afternoon, Pat’s were handed home advantage against the Munster men, who are currently third in the SSE Airtricity League First Division.