League Preview: Cork City -v- Wexford

CORK CITY

The leaders go into this match after seeing their position strengthened last weekend despite not playing.

Treaty’s draw with Galway kept them six points ahead with a superior goal difference. They are now in the position of knowing that any further slip-up from their rivals will see them automatically promoted.

They will hope to secure the title as a result of their own merit though. To do so, they will have to address a late season wobble which has seen them only win twice from the last eight games across all competitions, defeat at Eamonn Deacy Park and a loss in the Munster Senior Cup final will have irked them especially.   

Colin Healy rejected any suggestion that the league is won yet.

“We still have a job to do. We still have three games left. Yes, we are in a good position, but we won’t underestimate Wexford.

“We have to be focused and do our jobs. The players know that, and we have standards to maintain.”

The club is expecting another large crowd as fans anticipate getting closer to the title. Healy expressed his admiration to the supporters, “The fans have been fantastic all year. They are a massive help to us and the players. That’s what we want down in Cork with a packed stadium. You could see the difference when we didn’t have them, and it just wasn’t the same. Hope there is plenty of noise!”

WEXFORD

Wexford face the daunting task of needing nine points from their remaining three games to stand any chance of being involved in the promotion shake-up at the end of the season.

They did get back on track last weekend with an impressive 4-2 home win over Bray Wanderers.

It broke a six-match run without a win which had begun with a loss to Cork. As much as they will be trying to concentrate on their own game, fans will be hoping that Waterford do them a favour by beating Treaty who could secure fifth spot. It could possibly set up a last day shoot-out for the final play-off if all goes to plan for them.

Their aid could be helped by the return to the side of Jack Doherty. He came on as substitute last weekend and scored their third goal.

He might be in line to start at Turners Cross. Given that they finished bottom of the table last season, sixth would at least be an improvement on that. Fans will bemoan their lack of consistency at various stages this year which has hampered their chances. It might well be a period of stabilisation for the club though.

Referee:Paul Norton

MATCH STATS

Wexford are one of the few sides that have made Cork City really struggle for results against. Their previous encounter at Turners Cross saw them come away with a one all draw thanks to an equaliser from Conor Davis. Both games at Ferrycarrig Park saw Cork come away with a narrow one nil win. Cork do have the benefit of a seventeen-game unbeaten spell against their opponents. October 2010 was the last time Wexford came out on top.

BETTING

Cork City 4/11, Draw 7/2, Wexford FC 5/1

PREDICTION

Cork City 3-0 Wexford Fc   

Cork City

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: David Harrington

Suspended: Colin Healy

Wexford FC

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A