Wexford Youths -v- Limerick

• Andrew Cunneen
• Thu, Jun 23 2011


Noel O’Connor and Mick Wallace will welcome Limerick FC to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening as Pat Scully’s side look to respond to last week’s embarrassing defeat to Shelbourne and get their promotion hopes back on track. (kick-off 8pm)

Since their giant killing of Derry City in the cup, Wexford have travelled to Tolka Park and Fahy's Field; conceding nine goals and scoring none. This is probably not the best preparation for an angered Limerick side who are looking to reset their form by taking all three points from the Slaneysiders.

Wexford may worry, but they can now welcome back Patsy Malone and Craig Wall from suspension, as well as welcoming Tom Elmes, Mark Phelan and Robert Vickers to the club. Noel O’Connor will be looking for a massive response from his Youths side, following their recent poor performances.

Limerick who are fresh off the back of a wave of positivity following the signing of Denis Behan and Joe Gamble, as well as announcing their stadium plans, will look to continue this sense of euphoria into their clash with their former boss’ side.

Limerick will have to make do without the services of Stephen O’Flynn and Garry Sheahan once more, as well as Brian O’Callaghan; who suffered a broken leg in their Munster derby against Cork City last month. Their biggest loss of all may perhaps be John Frost, however Pat Purcell returns to solidify the backline.

Noel O’Connor said: “The 1st half against Mervue I thought we were really good then we conceded that goal and we were a totally different team. We’ve tried a few things this week it’s something we have to rectify and we will. We have all our preparations done for the Limerick game, a good training session tonight (Wednesday) and had a good talk about the Limerick game and ourselves, which will stand us in good stead not just for the Limerick game but for other upcoming games.”

Pat Scully is insistent on not underestimating this Wexford side following their shock win in Jackman Park earlier in this season. Speaking exclusively to Extratime, he said: “We’re looking forward to tomorrow night. Obviously nothing went well for us last week in any way, shape or form. It’s not an easy place to go, we’ve to go down there and have a proper attitude; a really professional attitude. Just look at Derry, they went down there and got turned over in the cup. Hopefully we can get a good reaction from the players and get a good result. “

Wexford Youths:
Injured:Anthony Russell, Dave Grincell.
Doubtful:None.
Suspended:None.

Limerick FC:
Injured:Stephen O’Flynn, Garry Sheahan, Thomas Lyons, James O’Brien, Brian O’Callaghan.
Doubtful:None.
Suspended:John Frost.

Referee:Keith Callanan
Paddy Power Odds:Wexford 9/2 Draw 5/2 Limerick 4/7
Extratime prediction:1-3 to Limerick.