FINN Harps shot stopper Corey Sheridan is optimistic that the side can extend their unbeaten record when they make the journey to the capital on Friday for a meeting with UCD.

Sheridan was involved when Finn Harps and Longford Town were inseparable last Friday as the contest concluded scoreless, stretching their unbeaten run to five matches.

He discussed how it was a good point earned to keep the decent run going but the main objective is to maintain it going forward.

“It was a good game. We played well in some aspects and we could have nicked the three points I thought but that’s just football and a draw is all we got but it was a good point for us to get.”

“The form has been good, we have been going well. The important thing now is to maintain this run and keep doing what we are doing.”

Corey Sheridan hadn’t played a minute for the Finn Harps senior team before their trip to Athlone Town three weeks ago.

The absence of Oisin Cooney due to exam commitments meant that Sheridan was drafted into the starting 11 for the first time.

He admits that he was nervous coming into the squad but the advice and guidance of the other first team members helped him out.

“I feel like I’ve done alright. At the beginning I was nervous but all of the boys around me were helping me and talking to me so credit to them.”

Sheridan, an academy graduate, joined the Finn Park residents from Erne Wanderers and has appeared for the side at every age group from MU14s to MU20s.

The 17-year-old is one of 14 academy graduates currently involved in Kevin McHugh’s first team squad.

He stated how the number of academy players that are involved in the setup has helped to make his integration easier and goes on to mention how McHugh is brilliant in his dealings with the youthful members.

“100%, you see Gavin McAteer, he’s been there a few years now so he helped me to settle in. Josh Cullen as well when he got his debut, he was chatting to me then when I made my debut so it was good to get advice from the young lads and the more experienced lads as well”, said Sheridan.

He continued, “Kevin (McHugh) is brilliant with all of the young boys. He knows exactly what to say to them and when to say it, he is very good that way.”

The Ballyshannon native has made a fantastic start to life between the sticks at the club, making four clean sheets in his first four games.

This is a stat he’s content with but expressed how a lot of credit has to be given to the backline in front of him who’ve put in stellar performances for the side in recent weeks.

“Four clean sheets isn’t bad now but it’s not just me. The defenders in front of me put in some unbelievable shifts especially against Dundalk and Treaty United so credit has to go to them, not just me.”

Kevin McHugh’s side now travel to the capital on Friday evening to face Dublin outfit UCD who currently occupy fifth place, the last of the play-off spots.

This is the first of two meetings that Finn Harps have against them, with the two teams scheduled to play next Friday in the second round of the FAI Cup in Ballybofey.

UCD are the team Harps are chasing in the First Division which effectively makes Friday’s encounter a six-pointer. A victory would bring them to within four points of the Dublin men.

Sheridan stated that The Students are a strong outfit but he is optimistic that himself and the team can head up there on Friday evening and extend their unbeaten run.

“UCD will be a different kettle of fish, they’re a good side but if we play the way we can play then I don’t see why we can’t win it. Hopefully we can get the result that we want, we’ll see what happens on Friday but I don’t see why we can’t come away with the three points.”