Preview: Waterford United vs Wexford Youths

• Gareth Penrose
• Fri, May 09 2008




Waterford United will look to continue the form shown in last weekend's 5-0 mauling of Monaghan United as they play host to Wexford Youths this Friday at the RSC (KO 7:45pm).

The Blues took all three points from Wexford in the first game of the season at Ferrycarrig, the first ever league meeting between the sides, and they'll be aiming to start the second series of matches in similar fashion. Manager Gareth Cronin is looking for a winning run over the coming games to keep pressure on table toppers Dundalk and make inroads into their lead, and he'll expect a similar performance to last Friday's, when his charges created a hatful of chances against Monaghan, even if he expressed himself not entirely happy with their finishing on the night.

Cronin will have to plan without fullback Stephen Quigley, who was forced off in that match with a suspected fractured metatarsal bone, but he has forward Karl Bermingham back after completing his suspension for a red card against Limerick 37. The visit of the Youths sees the return of Gavin Doyle and Thomas Hawkins to the club where they wore the blue shirt two seasons ago, and will also be the first league game for which the RSC's new stand will be open.

Mick Wallace's men went down 2-0 to Sporting Fingal last week and will be looking to start the second series of games with a win against Waterford United. Wallace is hopeful of a better performance but has concerns over the pitch.

"We gave Waterford a good game earlier in the season and there wasn't much between the sides," Wallace said. "The surface down there won't help us as it's not great. They'll be favourites but that doesn't bother us."

Wexford have a full squad to choose from with Paul Murphy, Stuart Lawlor and Garrett Larkin undergoing late fitness tests, but all are expected to play.