Mervue United -v- Wexford Youths

MERVUE UNITED

Mervue United will be hoping to bounce back from their first defeat of the season as they welcome Wexford Youths to Fahy’s Field in the Airtricity First Division, kick-off at 7.45 p.m.

Up until last Saturday Johnny Glynn’s team had gone six games without tasting defeat and the former Galway United player had, for the most part, a fully fit and suspension-free squad to choose from for those opening league fixtures.

The action packed 5-3 defeat at Cobh Ramblers, however, may have unraveled Glynn’s early season plans as Mervue had three players sent off, including goalkeeper Conor Gleeson, leaving the manager with a monumental headache.

The loss of three experienced first-team regulars, Marc Ludden, Mike Elwood and Martin Conneely through injury points to Friday’s game being a stern test of the squad’s strength and depth and their character.

Worryingly, with Gleeson suspended his under study, Peter Healy, is barely 17 years old, but, the youngster in line to make his league debut on Friday as Irish schools international keeper Conor O’Malley is unable to play until June 1^st.

Speaking to the clubs website manager Glynn was under no illusion as to the task facing his team with four players unavailable.

“Another tough game again this week with Wexford visiting Fahy’s Field, the first of four games in Galway over the coming weeks. They have had a good start with some very good performances this season and will provide us with a tough challenge, particularly with the three lads suspended and Martin Conneely out injured.”

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Despite already collecting four away points this season, Youths still find themselves second from bottom thanks to a poor home record.

A 2-1 win over Waterford United is the only points collected at home and manager Shane Keegan has been left frustrated by lapses in concentration when it’s mattered most.

However, Wexford has put in some good performances this season and an away win over Salthill Devon and a scoreless draw at Finn Harps proves Keegan’s side are difficult opponents when on the road.

Speaking to the clubs website Keegan was full of praise for Glynn’s ever-improving Mervue United but laments his team’s recent poor form.

"Mervue have had a very good start to the season and are looking a lot stronger than last season. We only collected one point from our two games up there last year so we'll be looking for an improvement on that.

We were disappointed with our second half performance last week and the lads are determined to make up for it with a strong showing this weekend."

Referee: Rhona Daly.

MATCH STATS

Wexford Youths could only manage a one point from two visits to Fahy’s Filed last season; Mervue edge the overall head to head wins with seven to Wexford’s five.

Mervue United under 17 goalkeeper Peter Healy will make his league debut on Friday.

Wexford won all league games between sides in 2010; Mervue won all league games between sides 2011; Mervue won two from three in 2012.

BETTING

Mervue United 10/11; Draw 12/5; Wexford Youths 5/2.

PREDICTION

Mervue United 1-1 Wexford Youths

Mervue United

Injured: Martin Conneely (knee).
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Marc Ludden, Mike Elwood, Connor Gleeson.

Wexford Youths

Injured: Graham Delaney
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.