And with Harps having dropped into the bottom three following the previous weekend’s 4-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds, tonight's game is a ‘six pointer’ for manager, Paul Hegarty and Harps. The Donegal club are just three points above Galway who are joint bottom of the League table with Cobh Ramblers.

"This is a massive game for us and is a real six pointer. It is a must win game for us, " insisted Harps manager Paul Hegarty, who still could not conceal his annoyance at the postponement of last Saturday night’s game with Drogheda United.

While Harps were disappointment at the postponement and the potential financial impact on the club the postponement also poses problems for Hegarty and limits his options for tonight's visit of Galway. With Declan Boyle and Stephen Parkhouse both serving one match bans this weekend Hegarty has to plan without two of his more influential and experienced players. Both players would have been available for this crunch tie if last weekend’s game had gone ahead.

However, it is not all bad news on the team front for Hegarty. The manager this week is counting on having Stuart Malcolm and Dessie Byrne back from injury. Both central defender Malcolm and new signing Byrne, who plays in the centre of midfield, missed the 4-1 defeat to Sligo Rovers at the Showgrounds.

"I'm keeping the fingers crossed that I will have Stuart (Malcolm) and Dessie (Byrne) back, but I will not know for definite until I see how they go in training," said Hegarty.

Malcolm, who has been injury prone, has been a regular in defence when available and in light of the difficulties at the back last time out against Sligo. Byrne has seen very little action since signing from Athlone Town. However, he showed enough in his one appearance to date against Cork City that he is a quality player and can do a job for Harps in midfield.

In the absence of Parkhouse up front, Hegarty;s option is to play Kevin Ramsay, while new signing Austin Friel could also be pushing for a starting berth too, after showing up well when sprung against Sligo Rovers.