WNL Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Athlone Town

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths will want to keep building on their momentum going into the fourth round of games in the 2021 season when they welcome Athlone Town to Ferrycarrig Park on Saturday evening (kick-off is at 6.30pm).

Wexford registered their first win of the season against Treaty United in Limerick last week with a 7-1 drubbing of the Shannon-siders. 

An Ellen Molloy masterclass in that game scoring four goals having only returned from international duty certainly gives Youths an added boost. 

Without an out-and-out first choice striker this season, Tom Elmes has had to experiment up front with skipper Kylie Murphy leading the line in their first three matches. 

Goals from Murphy, Molloy, Sinead Taylor and Ciara Rossiter last week will provide enough evidence for Youths fans that there are goals in the team this season. 

The momentum coming into this game is very much in Wexford’s favour. Their attacking style and dominance of the ball should be too much for Athlone. 

In terms of team news for Wexford, Lauren Kelly and Aoife Slattery continue to miss out with long term injuries.

 

ATHLONE TOWN



Returning to action after a break in their fixture list, Athlone Town will be hoping their fresh legs might be able to steal points away in Ferrycarrig Park. 

Having lost 1-0 at home to Wexford in the only game between the two sides in the 2020 WNL season, the Midlands based side will be looking to put in another solid defensive performance.

Their 3-3 draw with Treaty United at home in Lissywollen in Matchday Series 2 showed Athlone have goals in their squad this season with Mo Nerney, Emma Donohoe and Katelyn Keogh all converting. 

Keogh’s equaliser just after the hour mark punished Treaty’s failure to finish one of their many chances throughout the second half and secured Athlone’s first point of the 2021 WNL season.

Manager Tommy Hewitt will recognise the task ahead of him in Ferrycarrig Park this weekend but will be boosted by having a full squad available to pick from.  

 



MATCH STATS

Wexford Youths 7-1 defeat of Treaty United last week gives them the best goal difference in the division going into the fourth round of games.  

Athlone Town sit second from last but have a game in hand having been idle last week. 

 

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 4 – 0 Athlone Town

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Aoife Slattery, Lauren Kelly

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

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