Preview: Limerick 37 vs Wexford Youths

• David Byrne
• Thu, Jul 24 2008




In-form Limerick 37 host second from bottom Wexford Youths at Jackman Park this Friday (Kick-off 7:45p.m) in the League of Ireland First Division. Mike Kerley’s side have welcomed no less than 18 new signings to the club since the beginning of June, which has proved to be a revolution for the Shannonsiders. His young side will be full of confidence as they come into Friday’s clash with Wexford on the back of four wins in a row.

Meanwhile, Wexford will travel to Jackman Park on the back of a confidence boasting result against Waterford United last weekend at Ferrycarrig Park. Mick Wallace’s side currently occupy second last but with wins against Longford in the League and UCD in the League Cup in recent weeks, prove that they will be far from pushovers when they visit on Friday.

With Limerick travelling to fourth placed Sporting Fingal next Monday night, another valuable win against Wexford on Friday, will keep Limerick’s promotion chase alive. With only eight points now between Limerick and Fingal, this week will prove an important decider in Limerick’s future fate. Limerick have not conceded a goal in 450 minutes of play, an achievement Mike Kerley’s side look to build on this Friday.

Despite their recent form Limerick manager Mike Kerley said “It is too early to say whether we can get involved in the promotion race. We will have a better idea when the next seven or eight games are over.” Both sides go into Friday’s game in good form, however, the hosts will have to be aware of complacency. “But I am not putting any pressure on our players. They are largely young and inexperienced, so the less pressure on them the better.”

Team News: Neither side have suspensions to contend with but Limerick will be delighted with the fact that long term injury worry Pat Purcell has returned to training and he also played over an hour in a friendly for the A team last weekend. Club captain Pat Purcell will once again play in the A Championship against Tullamore away this Saturday as he continues on the road back to full fitness. Meanwhile, Limerick’s only injury worry is James Hayes who picked up a knock in a friendly for the A team last weekend. He is expected to face a late fitness test before tomorrow night’s game. Wexford, travel to Limerick with no new injury worries and Mick Wallace’s side are close to full strength as they look to upset Limerick’s excellent run of form.