League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Galway FC

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths host Galway FC in the SSE Airtricity First Division at Ferrycarraig Park on Friday night, kick off 8pm.

Youths enter this game on the back of a well-earned 1-1 draw with Finn Harps at Ballybofey, a game Youths could have won. Harps dominated the opening half an hour but Youths had found their way back into the match even before Keith Cowan harshly saw a straight red for the home side.

With Harps down to ten men, Killian Cantwell struck for the visitors on 65 minutes and Youths looked in control until referee Ben Connolly awarded the home side a dubious penalty which Ruairi Keating dispatched with ease.

Speaking to their website, Youths’ manager Keegan was disappointed overall with the away point but wants his players to finish the first quarter of the season with three points against Galway on Friday night.

“It's great to keep the good run going and if we take points from the Galway game it will have been a very successful first quarter.”

Youths will be without Shane Dunne as he misses the game through suspension after he picked up his fourth yellow card of the season in last weeks draw versus Finn Harps. Craig Wall,Ricky Fox and Ryan Delaney are all unavailable for selection. Ben Ryan returned to training this week and is available for selection while there is a doubt over the fitness of Daragh Walshe.

GALWAY FC

Galway FC will be looking to bounce back from last week’s frustrating loss to Shelbourne at Eamonn Deacy Park. The home side on the night had plenty of possession and chances but Shels’ Dylan Connolly struck in the 93^rd minute to break Galway hearts.

Manager Tommy Dunne was bitterly disappointed with the result, as recent performances have been dominated by his team’s lack of potency in front of goal. Only three weeks ago, at home to Shamrock Rovers ‘B’, The Tribesmen had several chances to claim all three points but just could not get the ball over the goal line. It’s very frustrating for the manager and supporters of GFC to watch.

On the team news front, Martin Conneely is out with a hamstring injury while Galway United legend Alan murphy is still some way off match fitness. This week the club said adieu to midfielder Noel Varley who is departing these shores with immediate effect.

Looking forward to Friday night’s game, Dunne has publicly called on his players to get wins as we enter a crucial phase of the season. He knows Youths won’t be as easy game and with an away trip to Longford Town followed by Waterford United at home in the coming weeks, Galway FC must start pointing points on the board.

"With so few teams in the Division the series' will come thick and fast. It is important we start picking up wins. If we're up to level pegging at the end of the second series then that will be great. It's easier said than done, we need a bit of consistency and to go on a run to get us back in the picture."

Referee: Michael O’Connor

MATCH STATS

This is the first meeting of Wexford Youths and Galway FC

The Tribesmen have drawn their first two away games this season.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 8/5; Draw11/5; Galway FC 6/4

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 1-1 Galway FC

Wexford Youths

Injured: Craig Wall,Ricky Fox, Ryan Delaney.

Doubtful: Darragh Walshe.

Suspended: Shane Dunne

Galway FC

Injured: Martin Connelly, Alan Murphy

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None