Preview: Sporting Fingal vs Wexford Youths

Sporting Fingal have the chance to put last week's defeat to Monaghan United behind them on Friday night when they face the in-form Wexford Youths in the first of two consecutive home fixtures at Morton Stadium.

Wexford go into this game high on confidence after going unbeaten throughout April, which included an away win against a Monaghan side who turned over Sporting last week. Beyond that result though, Sporting are in fine shape having held Dundalk and Shels’ to score draws and beating Kildare away from home.

Liam Buckley's side are undefeated at home and have no new injury worries ahead of the clash. Stephen Caffrey (calf) and Paul Malone (calf) remain out with Jimmy Crawford and James Hussey facing late fitness tests.

Buckley knows the task his side are up against with Wexford visiting on the back of some good results of late: “Wexford Youths have had a string of good results recently and Mick Wallace is making great strides with the club, both on and off the field.

”From our perspective, the defeat at Monaghan was a set-back as we had started to put together a bit of a run of four games unbeaten.

”However, the lads have responded well in training this week and they'll be looking for a good outcome against Wexford.”

Mick Wallace’s side are missing Joe Wadding through suspension after his red against Longford. Tomas Hawkins and striker Paul Murphy are the only injuries for the side.

Wallace is confident that his side can extend their unbeaten run to five games, but is just happy that there's another Dublin side in the league, which is convenient for Wallace who is based in the Capital.

“Fingal are a good side and have a serious set-up”, Wallace said. “I like playing in Dublin as well as it's very convenient for me and I only wish there was a few more Dublin sides in the league!”

A victory for the visitors would see them go ahead of Sporting in the league whereas the hosts need the win to stay in touch with the pack chasing early season favourites Dundalk at the top of the table.

Sporting Fingal 4/5, Wexford Youths 3/1. Huge price on the visitors for this one.

Morton Stadium, Santry, Friday, 2nd May (Kick Off 7.45pm)