League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- DLR Waves

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths could consolidate third position in the table with victory over fourth-placed DLR Waves at Ferrycarrig Park (kick-off 6.30pm).

Youths sit seven points behind joint-leaders Shelbourne and Peamount United but can put  a dent in that with a positive result.

Tom Elmes signed off his tenure as Youths boss in the final game before the summer break as his side fought back from a 2-0 half-time deficit.

Elmes has taken up a full-time role as Ireland under-16 coach but leaders like Kylie Murphy and Nicola Sinnott showed they have what it takes to maintain standards.

Goals from Megan Smyth-Lynch and Aine O’Gorman had Peas in full control in Greenogue, but late headers from Sinnott and Murphy secured a deserved draw.

Vanessa Ognonna continues to miss out with illness, while Aoife Slattery is recovering from a long-term knee injury.

DLR WAVES

DLR Waves could go above Youths in the table if they pull off a rare win at Ferrycarrig Park.

Waves sit two points behind Youths with one fewer game played, and three points would see Graham Kelly’s side stay in contention for honours.

The Dublin side were unfortunate not to take all three points when the sides met at the UCD Bowl on matchday two.

Carla McManus had fired Waves into an early lead but a sublime Ellen Molloy pass unlocked the defence for Kylie Murphy to equalise late on.

New signing Jetta Berrill is available for selection, as are Jane McKevitt, Rachel Doyle and Avril Brierley, who have recovered from injury.

Catherine Cronin is also available again after taking time out to get married, while Kerri Letmon and Katie Burdis are doubts after sustaining knocks.

Referee: TBC

MATCH STATS

The sides drew 1-1 when they met at the UCD Bowl on matchday two, Kylie Murphy levelling for Youths after Carla McManus opened her Waves account early on.

A draw was also the result when the teams met in pre-season, Ellen Molloy scoring twice for Youths either side of goals from Zoe Leonard and McManus.

BETTING

Wexford Youths 8/13; Draw 11/4; DLR Waves 14/5.

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 1 – 1 DLR Waves

Wexford Youths

Injured: Vanessa Ogbonna, Aoife Slattery.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

DLR Waves

Injured: Louise Corrigan.

Doubtful: Katie Burdis, Kerri Letmon.

Suspended: None.