League Preview: Wexford -v- Finn Harps

WEXFORD

Wexford commence their home campaign for 2024’s First Division at Ferrycarrig Park against a Finn Harps side, aiming to bounce back from defeat last time out.

The game is scheduled for Friday night with a 7.45pm kick-off but a pitch inspection is scheduled to take place in the morning due to heavy rain.

The Warriors returned to action last week after a fortnight’s absence due to adverse weather conditions. Wexford put their opening night loss to Athlone Town firmly behind them as they beat UCD at the Belfield Bowl.

They did so by scoring their first goals of the season, Kian Corbally’s nifty feet setting up space for a composed first-half finish. On his full debut, Sean McHale’s soaring second-half header sealed the points despite UCD setting up a nervy finish through Eanna Clancy’s strike.

With trips to Bray Wanderers and Kerry to round off the month, Wexford will be aiming to make up ground on their fellow First Division competitors. With two games still in hand, another three points at home to Harps could elevate Wexford up beyond their current eighth-placed perch.

Striker, Aaron Dobbs, made a welcome return against UCD. How he fares up front could be key to Wexford’s first home result of the year.

FINN HARPS

Finn Harps have started strongly this season. Head Coach, Darren Murphy took seven points from the opening three games before Cobh Ramblers inflicted a first loss on them, Jack Larkin’s twenty-third minute goal proving the difference.

Frustration mounted for Finn Harps as five players collected yellow cards, a tact Wexford might look to exploit, against a relatively youthful team, should they go ahead.

That said, striker, Success Edogun has bedded in brilliantly, with three goals from his first four games. Having won their sole trip, a crowning comeback at Longford Town, so far, Harps fans will hope for another winning away day.

Occupying third place heading into this match, Harps could hit the early heights of a double-digit points tally, ten, with a victory.

In team news Kevin Jordan, Aaron McLaughlin, Ryan Rainey are all absent through injury.

It was also confirmed on Thursday that Ryan Flood has left the club and transferred to Phoenix Rising in the USA.

Referee: Robert Dowling.

Match Stats:

Wexford captain, Ethan Boyle, faces his former club, having captained Harps during the 21-22 season.

Both teams were evenly split last season, registering an away one-goal win apiece and drawing twice over their four meetings.

Harps defender, Jamie Watson, scored a ninety-fifth minute equaliser in the sides’ most recent meeting, at Ferrycarrig Park in September.

Betting: Home win 8/11. Draw 2/1. Away win 13/5.

Prediction: Wexford 1-1 Finn Harps.

WEXFORD

Injuries: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

FINN HARPS

Injuries: Kevin Jordan, Aaron McLaughlin, Ryan Rainey.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.