Finn Harps -v- Wexford Youths
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Wexford Youths travel to Donegal on Saturday evening to face Finn Harps looking to close the eight point gap that has opened up between fourth and fifth place in the League of Ireland First Division.
Finn Harps manager James Gallagher saw his team earn a point last week at home to Athlone, and he gave credit to Midlander’s fighting spirit.
“I would say a draw was the fair result, we had some half chances but nothing really that warranted a goal. You have to give credit to Athlone, they have only been losing games by the odd goal and they never give up. It was a tight game and they came with a game plan and got their rewards in a point away from home.”
Gallagher will be looking for all three points but expects a youthful Wexford side to be tough to break.
“They beat us 2-1 down there earlier this season but I felt we probably deserved a point from that game. They are a lot like ourselves in that they have a young enthusiastic side and have players who, on their day, can cause problems. We're looking forward to try and get 3 points on the board having dropped 2 last week but, it will be another tough game and as I said last week, there is very little to choose between the teams in this division bar maybe the top 3 or 4 sides”
In team news, Sean Houston (back) misses out again as do long term absentees Conor Gethins and Johnny Havlin. Michael Funston serves the second of a two match suspension. Christy Connaghan is expected to resume training this week again, but Saturday’s game might prove to be a week early for him.
The Youths will be without manager Mick Wallace for this clash, which means assistant manager Noel O’Connor will be in charge. Wexford have lost their last two games for the first time this season and many will be interested to see how they cope. Some might say that a long trip to the Northwest is the last thing the players need, but O’Connor doesn’t share that view.
“I feel the trip will help to reunite the team after the disappointments of the last two games. Of course it’s going to be a tough encounter, but the journey will help to galvanise team spirit and we’ll be up to the task as always” said O’Connor.
The Youths will be without inspirational defender Peter White who is currently on vacation. Also this game has come just a bit too early for Packie Holden as he is recovering from injury. Holden and Whites’ absence are major blows for the Youths as their form all season has been the backbone of the team’s impressive season to date.
O’Connor knows he has a difficult job ahead of him, but he’s clearly up to the task. He continued to say; “Some of the players are playing for their futures at the club, so I hope that their all up to the challenge and are ready to fight for their careers”.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-1 draw
Finn Harps manager James Gallagher saw his team earn a point last week at home to Athlone, and he gave credit to Midlander’s fighting spirit.
“I would say a draw was the fair result, we had some half chances but nothing really that warranted a goal. You have to give credit to Athlone, they have only been losing games by the odd goal and they never give up. It was a tight game and they came with a game plan and got their rewards in a point away from home.”
Gallagher will be looking for all three points but expects a youthful Wexford side to be tough to break.
“They beat us 2-1 down there earlier this season but I felt we probably deserved a point from that game. They are a lot like ourselves in that they have a young enthusiastic side and have players who, on their day, can cause problems. We're looking forward to try and get 3 points on the board having dropped 2 last week but, it will be another tough game and as I said last week, there is very little to choose between the teams in this division bar maybe the top 3 or 4 sides”
In team news, Sean Houston (back) misses out again as do long term absentees Conor Gethins and Johnny Havlin. Michael Funston serves the second of a two match suspension. Christy Connaghan is expected to resume training this week again, but Saturday’s game might prove to be a week early for him.
The Youths will be without manager Mick Wallace for this clash, which means assistant manager Noel O’Connor will be in charge. Wexford have lost their last two games for the first time this season and many will be interested to see how they cope. Some might say that a long trip to the Northwest is the last thing the players need, but O’Connor doesn’t share that view.
“I feel the trip will help to reunite the team after the disappointments of the last two games. Of course it’s going to be a tough encounter, but the journey will help to galvanise team spirit and we’ll be up to the task as always” said O’Connor.
The Youths will be without inspirational defender Peter White who is currently on vacation. Also this game has come just a bit too early for Packie Holden as he is recovering from injury. Holden and Whites’ absence are major blows for the Youths as their form all season has been the backbone of the team’s impressive season to date.
O’Connor knows he has a difficult job ahead of him, but he’s clearly up to the task. He continued to say; “Some of the players are playing for their futures at the club, so I hope that their all up to the challenge and are ready to fight for their careers”.
Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-1 draw
