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Wexford Youths -v- Derry City
- P.J. Murray
- Thu, Sep 30 2010
League leaders Derry City make the long journey to Ferrycarrig in the sunny South-East to face a Wexford Youths side who have only been beaten once in the last month (kick-off 7.45pm).
With things quickly moving to the business end of the season three points will be vital for Derry in their quest for silverware and more importantly automatic promotion.
The Candystripes good form has dipped in the last few weeks, draws at home to Athlone and away to Longford coupled with defeat in Waterford have loosened what was a firm grip on the first Division title, though their last outing was a 6-0 trouncing of Mervue. Now, they stand three points ahead of EA Sports Cup runners up Monaghan United who have a game in hand.
Wexford remain midtable with very little to play for, safe from any possible relegation yet too far behind to make the play-off spots, it can be conceivable that Mick Wallace’s side will be approaching their remaining matches with one eye on next season. However, Youths have not lost in five home matches and will have pride to play for.
The sides have met twice already this season with Derry registering a rather convincing 5-1 win over the Youths in Ferrycarrig last time out.
Speaking to the Derry Journal prior to tomorrow night’s game, Candystripes manager Stephen Kenny said: “We had been threatening to give some team a hammering and, unfortunately for Mervue, it was to be our night. It was interesting in the dressing room at half-time as the players were disappointed at leading just 2-0, knowing that they had missed clear-cut chances which had been the case over the last two or three weeks.”
Although Kenny was clearly pleased with the win he did mention that in future his side need to shore up their defence somewhat.
Youths have a full strength squad to choose from, while Kenny will have Gerard Doherty available before he is suspended for the Shelbourne game. Patrick McEleney will be available for selection after returning from international duty with Ireland U-19s, however there are doubts surrounding Mark Farren and Shane McEleney. Thomas McBride is out for the clash while Ruairi Harkin has returned to training and will be another possibility for Friday night.
Paddypower.com Odds: Wexford Youths 4/1 Draw 12/5 Derry City 4/7
Wexford Youths
Injured: None
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Derry City
Injured: Thomas McBride
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Rurai Harkin, Mark Farren, Shane McEleney
Referee: R Rogers
Extratime.ie Prediction: Another convincing win for the Foylesiders 4-0.
About P.J. Murray
P.J. generally covers Drogheda games at HD Park and can generally be found at any Dublin ground when of a loose end on a Friday night.