Wexford Youths -v- Derry City

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sun, Apr 18 2010


Wexford and Derry suffered differing fortunes in the EA Sports Cup during the week with Wexford tumbling out 3-0 against Cork City Foras while Derry City progressed to the 2nd round courtesy of a thrilling 3-2 win over Galway United.

Derry are now on a run of four straight wins and, lying second in the table, will be looking to take another three points at Ferrycarrig Park and stay on the coat tails of Waterford United who slipped up at Monaghan and lost their 100% record on Friday night.

With ten goals in their last three games (eight of which have come from midfield) Derry will be confident of breaching a Wexford defence that have have kept only one clean sheet so far, and that against struggling Mervue United.

With a young and inexperienced defence, Wexford will have their work cut out dealing with a Derry side that can not only score goals from midfield but have two of the Divisions most dangerous strikers in the shape of Mark Farren and David McDaid, although the Candystripes are likely to be without Farren for Sunday’s game.

Wexford’s only two wins this season have come against the Galway duo of Mervue United and Salthill Devon who are already in danger of being cut adrift at the bottom of the Division so getting a result against an improving Derry side is a big ask.

With key striker Gary Sheahan yet to score this season Wexford will be hoping Jimmy Keohane and Danny Furlong can continue their good form but even the most optimistic Wexford supporters will be anticipating a difficult afternoon.

Both sides are free from suspension and Wexford Youths have a full squad to choose from. But Derry will be without Mark Farren and Stephen Parkhouse and also have a slight doubt over defender Eddie McCallion.

Extratime prediction : 2-0 to Derry City