Wexford Youths -v- Longford Town
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WEXFORD YOUTHS
Wexford Youths take on Longford Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night knowing that a victory would move them level on points with the Midlanders at the top of the First Division table.
The Warriors are unbeaten in their past three games with two wins and a draw after losing their first two games of the season.
Shane Clarke returns from injury for the Youths while Aidan Keenan and CJ Browne have also recovered from the flu and are in line to feature. The only doubt for Wexford going into this crucial clash is Brian Nolan.
Manager Shane Keegan is pleased that his side will be taking on the league leaders at a time when they are in such a rich vein of form. Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “We have been on a decent run of form coming into this game so it is as good a time as any to face the league title favourites.
“Longford have made some great signings which has helped them kick on a level from last season but we believe we are a match for anyone in this division when at our best so it’s up to us to make a game of it.”
LONGFORD TOWN
The onus will certainly be on Longford Town coming into this clash to prove themselves against a strong Wexford side by further stretching the gap at the top of the table.
Mervue United and Finn Harps are both hot on the heels of the Midlanders with each currently sitting just one point behind the promotion favourites. Longford are also in decent away form this campaign having picked up three wins in all competitions and having lost just once, that coming in a 0-1 reverse at Finn Park.
One of Longford’s most impressive performers this season has been new signing Davis O’Sullivan who arrived from Leinster Senior League side Wayside Celtic over the winter. O’Sullivan introduced himself to the League of Ireland with a hat-trick on his debut against Salthill Devon. Since then he has added three more, against Waterford , Cobh and Mervue.
Perhaps oddly for a team on top of the table, Longford have kept only one clean sheet to date, in the 5-0 win over Salthill on the opening night of the season.
Referee: Andrew Mullally.
MATCH STATS
These sides met four times in the league last season with Wexford failing to register a victory, losing three times and gaining one draw.
May 4th 2010 was the last time Wexford managed to emerge victorious against Longford, with a 1-0 win away from home.
You have to go back even further to find Wexford’s first win against Longford on home soil, that coming over four years ago through a 2-1 victory, Dave Miller grabbing the winner that day.
BETTING
Wexford Youths 11/4; Draw 12/5; Longford Town 17/20.
PREDICTION
Wexford Youths 0-2 Longford Town: The away side to edge this one and extend their advantage at the top of the table.
Wexford Youths
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Brian Nolan.
Suspended: None.
Longford Town
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
