Harping On V Crumlin United

May 27, 2006

Tonight we welcome Crumlin United to Finn Park for this second round FAI cup tie. When the draw is made we all hope for a home tie, and to face non-league opposition would be considered ideal. It does bring problems and pressures of its own however, as we know little about our opposition except of course that they have considerable cup pedigree having managed to come this far in the competition. We can take nothing for granted tonight, as this is likely to be a very tough game. Crumlin will no doubt be going all out to cause a shock and prove themselves capable of mixing it with league opposition and if we make the lapses we did against Kildare then we'll be made to suffer again. Tonight's game must be taken on its merits- and it's all about getting through to the next round. If offered a scrappy 1-0 win right now I'd take it. We could do with getting through and securing a lucrative home draw in the next round- especially as the league cup draw was less than kind. A trip to Tolka to face Shels wasn't what we were hoping for, but we'll have to take exactly the attitude that Crumlin will be taking tonight. It's eleven against eleven and if we get the attitude and organization right we can do it. Before worrying about causing a shock there though we'll have to concentrate on preventing one tonight.

That Kildare result brought a return of the gloomy atmosphere that had temporarily been lifted, but I do think it's important to retain perspective and see the fine line between success and failure at this level. Had a few key decisions not gone the way they had or chances been taken when they fell to us we could have won that game easily, but they didn't and they weren't and another vital two points slipped away. We saw the same fine line against Athlone at home and indeed against Cobh. Disappointing and all as it is we must bear in mind that this young team is still in the early stages of growing and molding together, so hopefully as the season goes on we'll continue to improve and assert ourselves on the first division. As this team grows in confidence and experience I believe we'll start to fall the right side of that fine line more often than not.

The July window is getting closer and already speculation is mounting as to the comings and goings in the transfer market. It'd be great to see a bunch of new players brought in, but I think it's unrealistic to think that major strengthening can take place. The board took a big risk by continuing with last year's spending levels and so far it hasn't really worked out. Attendances have been lower than in a very long time and if I'm honest I have to admit that it really worries me. I can't help feeling that balancing the books this year would be one hell of an achievement this season- and we could easily undo the good work done in recent years if we gamble too much on players. It's going to take a huge amount of work and effort to keep the show on the road, and as always everyone can play a role. By bringing a friend to matches, by joining the 500 club or getting someone else to join if you're already in, by buying or selling lottos for the club, it's all vital and badly needed.

On a more positive note it was very good to see the welcoming night for foreign nationals held last week go well. Fair play to all involved in its organization and hopefully it and more events like it can help bring more of the immigrant population to Finn Park. It goes to show what can be done when people get together and work for the good of Finn Harps. This reflects very favourably on Finn Harps as a progressive club, and maintains our tradition of welcoming everyone regardless of race, colour or creed.