Mervue United -v- Wexford Youths

MERVUE UNITED                               

Promotion contenders Mervue United host a struggling Wexford Youths side at Fahy’s Field this Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Only a few weeks ago it looked as if Mervue’s chance of landing a promotion spot had all but evaporated. A dip in form for the Galway side saw them slide down the table much to the annoyance of the Maroon and Blue faithful.

However, tonight’s hosts have rediscovered their early season form just in time for the season run in and Johnny Glynn’s side are back in with a real shout.

Last Saturday Mervue suffered a dramatic 3-2 defeat at the hands of Cobh Ramblers. The hosts cruised to a two goal lead but youngster Ryan Manning scored twice from the penalty spot for what looked destined to be an away point. However, Martin Deady’s 91^st minute winner denied the visitors.

Glynn will be without suspended duo Ryan Manning and Jason Molloy for tonight’s game. Gary Curran and Gary Kelly are still on the treatment table while Michael McSweeney is bound for Spain after securing a teaching job.

There are still eight games left to play, but crucially for Mervue, five of those are on home turf. Having suffered only one defeat at Fahy’s Field this season, their destiny is largely in their own hands.

Glynn was disappointed with the defeat down in Cobh and is looking to get back to winning ways over Youths this evening.

“The game in Cobh was very disappointing as we defended poorly for all three goals. Our general play was good but the defending was uncharacteristic of us in recent games and will need to be better on Friday night against Wexford. They had a great run put together before the break and last week’s draw against Longford will see them coming to Mervue with confidence.”

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths come to Galway in bad shape. A scoreless draw at home to Longford Town last weekend was their first registered point since they defeated Mervue 2-0 at Ferrycarrig Park in mid June.

The clean sheet was a welcome relief though, keeping the league’s top scorer in Longford’s David O’Sullivan quiet, is an achievement in itself.

If their form wasn’t bad enough, Shane Keegan’s side has the added gloom of a 270 minute goal-drought hanging over their heads.

Before the mid-season break Youths looked like they had overcome their early season slump by winning three league games in the bounce during the month of May. In general, it’s very hard to pinpoint what has gone wrong for the Wexford side this season.

Youths came to Fahy’s Field already this season but a 4-1 defeat for the visitors was the outcome. A goalless first-half sparked into life early in the second period and goals from Stephen Walsh, Gary Curran, Gary Shanhan and Noel Varley helped Mervue to an easy win.

There could be more of the same tonight for Keegan’s troops as Mervue are one of the in-form teams in the league presently and average over two goals per home game this season.

Referee: K O’Regan

MATCH STATS

Wexford’s last league win on the road was a 0-1 win over Waterford united in May.

Mervue’s 20 goals scored at home this season in nine games is only bettered by Cobh (27)

Youths have only scored two goals in last six games in all competitions.

BETTING

Mervue United 8/13; Draw 5/2; Wexford Youths 4/1

PREDICTION

Mervue United 3-0 Wexford Youths

Mervue United

Injured: Gary Curran (calf) and Gary Kelly (groin)

Doubtful: None

Suspended: Jason Molloy, Ryan Manning

Left Club: Michael McSweeney

Wexford Youths

Injured: Uknown    

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: Unknown