Shelbourne FC -v- Wexford Youths FC
Credit:
Shelbourne begin their push for promotion against Wexford Youths at Tolka Park tomorrow night (kick-off 8.00pm).
Heartache
Shels suffered heartache last November when they lost the league with virtually the last kick of the season. However, against the Youths, Dermot Keely’s men collected ten points from a possible 12. Wexford struggled to keep clean-sheets last year and the introduction of Peter Hynes and Paddy Madden up front for Shels should be a worrying prospect. Yet there is cause for optimism as Mick Wallace has invested in his defence, bringing in David Breen, Tim McGrath and Packie Holden from Waterford United.
Strength in depth
Ritchie Baker's return has boosted morale around Tolka Park following last season's finale. Along with other sigings such as Stephen Quigley and last season's First Division Player of the Year David Cassidy, the mood is optimistic for 2009. Shels have played six pre-season games ahead of this tie, with Keely happy that his bench can compete with his starting eleven. “I’ve seen in pre-season that when I replace someone on the pitch, there’s no gap in quality,” he said. However, losses to Bray and Bohemians in February show they are not yet up to Sporting Fingal’s standard perhaps.
Battle hardened
Wexford have drawn all four friendlies this year, with three admirable ones (v Saint Patrick’s Athletic, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers) and a not-so-admirable one (v Kildare County). Last year sides came to Tolka and sat back, looking to stifle the Reds, and with Wexford proving their ability to stay in games, this could well be like that.
'Major impact'
"The signings we've made should have a major impact for us this season," Wexford manager Wallace said. "We've such a young squad that we needed to balance it out slightly and bring in some experienced players, which should make a big difference this year, and hopefully they’ll help the young players and their future development."
Team news
Shelbourne will have to decide on two of Anto Flood, Hynes and Madden up front. The latter has been in great form in pre-season and will certainly be looking to start the game. For Wexford, Holden will start in goal as both Pa Doyle and Willie Doyle are injured. Gary Sheehan should start up front with all five new signings looking to make an impact. Conor Sinnott (groin), Richie Fitzgerald (hamstring), Danny Furlong (cruciate), Paul Murphy (groin) and Lee Aust (groin) are all injured while Keith Kearney is suspended.
Heartache
Shels suffered heartache last November when they lost the league with virtually the last kick of the season. However, against the Youths, Dermot Keely’s men collected ten points from a possible 12. Wexford struggled to keep clean-sheets last year and the introduction of Peter Hynes and Paddy Madden up front for Shels should be a worrying prospect. Yet there is cause for optimism as Mick Wallace has invested in his defence, bringing in David Breen, Tim McGrath and Packie Holden from Waterford United.
Strength in depth
Ritchie Baker's return has boosted morale around Tolka Park following last season's finale. Along with other sigings such as Stephen Quigley and last season's First Division Player of the Year David Cassidy, the mood is optimistic for 2009. Shels have played six pre-season games ahead of this tie, with Keely happy that his bench can compete with his starting eleven. “I’ve seen in pre-season that when I replace someone on the pitch, there’s no gap in quality,” he said. However, losses to Bray and Bohemians in February show they are not yet up to Sporting Fingal’s standard perhaps.
Battle hardened
Wexford have drawn all four friendlies this year, with three admirable ones (v Saint Patrick’s Athletic, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers) and a not-so-admirable one (v Kildare County). Last year sides came to Tolka and sat back, looking to stifle the Reds, and with Wexford proving their ability to stay in games, this could well be like that.
'Major impact'
"The signings we've made should have a major impact for us this season," Wexford manager Wallace said. "We've such a young squad that we needed to balance it out slightly and bring in some experienced players, which should make a big difference this year, and hopefully they’ll help the young players and their future development."
Team news
Shelbourne will have to decide on two of Anto Flood, Hynes and Madden up front. The latter has been in great form in pre-season and will certainly be looking to start the game. For Wexford, Holden will start in goal as both Pa Doyle and Willie Doyle are injured. Gary Sheehan should start up front with all five new signings looking to make an impact. Conor Sinnott (groin), Richie Fitzgerald (hamstring), Danny Furlong (cruciate), Paul Murphy (groin) and Lee Aust (groin) are all injured while Keith Kearney is suspended.
About Gordon Hunt
Gordon Hunt is one of extratime's Dublin based reporters. Having worked with the site since it's inception, Gordon's name is carved into the foundations of extratime's tower block. View Full Profile