League Preview: Cobh Ramblers v Wexford

COBH RAMBLERS

New signing Jack Doherty will come up against his old side Wexford in Friday night’s clash at St Colman’s Park.

Doherty scored on his debut last Friday in a 2-0 win against First Division newcomers Kerry FC and hit the net six times in 2022 for Wexford, despite being side-lined with injury for a large part of the season.

There have been two additions to the squad during the week, with the loan signing of midfielder Claudio Osorio from EFL Championship side Reading announced on Wednesday, with the possibility of a debut for the 20-year-old against Wexford.

Liam Kervick has also joined on a permanent deal from Waterford.

The 19-year-old winger spent the second half of last season on loan at the Cork side.

Former Wexford boss Shane Keegan’s Cobh will be confident going into this fixture after securing a clean sheet and three points on the opening night.

WEXFORD

The South East side were at the hands of a heavy defeat to local rivals Waterford FC on the opening night after a Wassim Aouachria hat-trick left them in despair.

Despite this, new manager James Keddy has a decent squad of players to choose from with the experienced Ethan Boyle and versatile Jordan Adeyemo within his ranks for 2023.

Danny Furlong could also feature after coming on as a substitute last week in what was a 243^rd League of Ireland appearance for the 33-year-old.

Midfielder Kian Corbally made the move to Wexford this week from St. Patrick’s Athletic and is deemed one of the league’s top young prospects, so the side will be hoping to see a better performance on the road this weekend.

Referee: Daniel Murphy.

MATCH STATS

Wexford were triumphant in three out of four encounters between the sides last season, with a draw at Ferrycarrig Park in their final meeting in August.

A late Dinny Corcoran penalty gifted Wexford all three points on the road last February which left the visitors with a 3-2 victory, despite an edgy performance from the Cork side.

They met again in April and it was Wexford who dominated. An early Doherty goal set a quick tone for an eventual 4-2 win.

Doherty scored again in their second tie at St. Colman’s Park in June where Wexford claimed a 3-0 victory.

In what was a frustrating tie for Ian Ryan’s men in August, Cobh managed to nick a point in a 2-2 draw in Ferrycarrig.

A late Luka Lovic goal got Wexford a point but not all three they were looking for in their race for a play-off spot.

BETTING

Cobh Ramblers 11/4; Draw 14/5; Wexford 3/4

PREDICTION

Cobh Ramblers 1 - 2 Wexford

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None

Wexford

Injured: N/A

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: None