League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Wexford
Cabinteely skipper Daniel Blackbyrne Credit: Al Robinson (ETPhotos)
CABINTEELY
Pat Devlin returns to the dugout this weekend as Cabinteely welcome First Division rivals Wexford to Stradbrook on Friday evening (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
Cabo come into the game sitting pretty in the playoff positions having seen off Treaty United last weekend.
The South Dubliners recorded a 2-1 victory over the Shannonsiders – with Vilius Labutis netting the winner in the 50th minute after Kieran Marty Waters had given his side a half-time lead.
The result saw Cabinteely – who had to make do without the suspended Kevin Knight – move into fourth spot, six points behind league leaders Shelbourne after the end of the first series of games.
“We are under no illusions,” Cabo first-team coach Eddie Gormley told his club’s media team ahead of the game.
“It is going to be a tough task against Wexford, and they have been very unlucky not to get off the mark in recent games.
“We have done really well but it is only the first series of games that are over, but we still have another two to go and there are a lot of points to play for,” he added.
“There a lot of tough games are coming up after the break.”
In terms of team news, Kevin Knight returns from suspension, but Andy O’Brien and Adam Hayden remain out.
WEXFORD
Wexford visit the scene of their most impressive league win in recent times as they take on Cabinteely at Stradbrook.
The Slaneysiders won 5-1 against Cabo in September – with Karl Fitzsimons, Daniel Tobin, Karl Manahan and Patrick O’Sullivan all scoring.
However, Wexford have won just the one league game since – and have had a change of manager in the meantime.
That change only came two weeks ago as Ian Ryan took over from previous boss from Brian O’Sullivan.
Ryan oversaw last week’s 1-0 defeat at home to Bray Wanderers, with his new side impressing at times in their defeat.
The former UCD boss will be hoping that he can engineer their first points of the 2021 season as a result – and he will be able to call upon a full-strength squad in his attempts to on Friday night as Daniel Dobbin returns to the fold from injury.
Referee: Robert Dowling.
MATCH STATS
Wexford have scored just two goals so far this season, with both goals coming at Ferrycarrig Park against Cobh Ramblers and Cabinteely.
Cabo have won three of their last five league games – and have won three of their four home league games that have been played this season.
Wexford have won four of the six league games played at Stradbrook – with their last loss coming in 2019 against the South Dubliner’s.
BETTING
Cabinteely 4/7; Draw 14/5; Wexford 15/4.
PREDICTION
Cabinteely 2 - 0 Wexford
Cabinteely
Injured: Adam Hayden, Andy O’Brien.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Wexford
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
