Limerick -v- Wexford Youths

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Apr 07 2011


Somewhat of a reunion occurs on Friday evening at Jackman Park as former-Limerick boss Noel O’Connor returns with his Wexford team to face his old side in what could be a far more even game than the majority expect. (Kickoff 7.45pm)

Limerick have started the season quite well with a 100% record at home thus far, without conceding a goal, while they picked up credible draws away to Finn Harps and league leaders Shelbourne last week. With Stephen O’Flynn set to start his first game since returning from suspension, the Blues will pose a huge goalscoring threat to bottom side Wexford Youths.

Pat Scully is aware of complacency however, and refuses to take any game for granted. “This game is a real banana skin for us. Wexford have not started the season as well as they would have liked and they will be looking for a positive result against us on Friday night. After last week’s good draw and performance against Shels, we have to keep winning our home games and I can really see the confidence and believe growing in the players with every performance.”

Limerick goalkeeper Dave Ryan, who has been replaced in goal this year by his elder brother Barry, is still five to six weeks away whilst recovering from a broken foot. Garry Sheahan is the long term injury, suffering a broken leg in Limericks opening fixture away to Finn Harps. Young midfielder Thomas Lyons is also sidelined, strained ankle ligaments his ailment.

Wexford on the other hand, rock bottom, and have yet to earn a single point. O’Connor’s side have fallen to Cork, Shelbourne, Longford and Mervue most recently. The Youths will be looking to end their awful start to the season with what would be a very credible result on Shannonside.

It looks unlikely that Anto Russell will return in order to solidify a very poor Wexford defence, while their most proven and naturally prolific goal threat, Dave Grincell, is out through suspension.

For those who think this will be a walk in the park, will be very wrong, albeit, Wexford whom are already under pressure, must make do without key players. Limerick must be fancied going into this one, and look likely to take the points, but not as easily as one may think.

Limerick FC:
Injured: Garry Sheahan, Thomas Lyons, James O’Brien, Dave Ryan.
Doubtful: Brian O’Callaghan.
Suspended: None.

Wexford Youths:
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Anto Rusell
Suspended: David Grincell

Paddypower.com Odds: Limerick 2/7 Wexford Youths 8/1 Draw 7/2
Referee: Stuart Templeman
Extratime.ie Prediction: 2-0 home win.