SIMON COLLINS reports

The Ballindrait man has questioned the FAI’s decision to postpone the fixture after the Donegal club had already agreed to rearrange the match from Friday to Saturday night at the request of the League. An added gripe for Hegarty was the fact Drogheda had played Dynamo Kiev in Europe on Tuesday night last which, he believes, was sufficient time to recuperate.

Due to the short notice of the cancellation, Harps were unable to arrange a replacement friendly meaning they will have no match for two weeks during a vital period in the League season.

The decision will also effect Harps’ crucial clash with fellow strugglers, Galway United, next weekend as striker Stephen Parkhouse - who was due to serve an automatic one match ban for receiving two cautions against Sligo Rovers - will now serve his suspension against Jeff Kenna’s side next Friday, instead of the postponed Drogheda game.

Another absentee for the Galway game is Declan Boyle, the veteran defender suspended and Hegarty insisted he would rather the pair missed the Drogheda game rather than a potential relegation ‘six-pointer’ at Terryland Park.

“I’m not happy about the decision at all,” said Hegarty. “I don’t understand why they can’t play the game on Saturday. Their European game was played on Tuesday night so I don’t know the reasoning behind that.

“We will also lose a lot of revenue for the game as it’s a home match but the biggest factor is that Stephen Parkhouse and Declan Boyle will miss the game against Galway next week. I would have rather they served their suspensions against Drogheda because we need them to play against Galway.

“I’ve no problem with Drogheda whatsoever,” he added, “but I’m definitely not happy that the game has been postponed.”

Meanwhile former Harps captain, Tony Shields, who was released due to a breach of club discipline has joined Irish League club Coleraine. The move follows Sean Roddy’s departure to Institute but Hegarty revealed he has no plans to bring in further replacements.

“I wish Tony all the best at Coleraine,” said Hegarty. “But I’ve already got Davy Byrne in as a replacement so I don’t intend on bringing anyone else in.”