PREVIEW: Limerick 37 vs Wexford Youths

Both Limerick 37 and Wexford Youths go into Friday’s clash at Jackman Park on the back of opening day defeats to Monaghan and Waterford respectively. With the addition of Sporting Fingal to the Eircom league this season these two clubs will relish the chance to lose the pressure that comes with being known as the new clubs in the First Division. Kick Off is 7:45p.m at Jackman Park, Limerick.

Following both teams opening day defeats, this is an extremely important game to kick start both clubs campaigns. There are high expectations in Wexford this season after last season learning curve and manager Mick Wallace expects his team to push for a comfortable mid-table position. “Last season we set a target of not finishing bottom. For the new season, our target is mid-table which will not be easy with the likes of Waterford United, Longford Town and Dundalk around”.

Limerick manager Mike Kerley could recall both Pat Purcell and Derek McCarthy to the squad. Both players will face fitness tests before Friday’s game. Mike Kerley has asked Limerick supporters to be patient this season. He said: “Supporters won't want to hear that this season is about getting it right off the pitch more than on it, but that's the reality of the situation. That said though I can assure supporters that we will attempt to play football at all times, especially at ho me, and that we will be going out to win every home game.”

These two clubs should know each other very well by now after facing each other no less than seven times last season, both in the Eircom League First Division and the FAI Cup. Wexford will be looking to Friday night’s game as a chance to beat Limerick 37 for the first time since both clubs’ formation last season.

Friday’s game should be a good indicator to both set of supporters how well their teams will do this season as both teams are expected to be close in the table when the season draws to a conclusion in November. Wexford have progressed well both on and off the field during the winter months whereas Limerick have once again struggled with financial problems. The recent investment by Irish-American business man, Jack McCarthy, has cleared debts but has left Mike Kerley with a limited budget to work with.

Team news: Wexford are without both striker Danny Furlong and midfielder Martin Kelly, who are ruled out through one-match suspensions. Limerick could call both Derek McCarthy and Captain Pat Purcell back into the squad, depending on late fitness tests.