Wexford Youths -v- Mervue United

• Simon O'Gorman
• Thu, Mar 31 2011


Wexford Youths entertain Mervue United in the Airtricity First Division at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night with the home side hoping to register their first points of the 2011 season (Kick off 8pm)

Noel O’Connor’s Wexford side have recorded three defeats from three in their league campaign to date and will know that this meeting with Mervue represents not only a chance to register points for themselves, but also one to deny one of the sides they look likely to be jousting with for league position come the end of the season.

Over the winter the ‘Youths’ lost several key players with Gary Sheahan departing for Limerick and midfield anchor Shane Dempsey making the short journey to Waterford United. Dave Grincell was Wexford’s most prominent signing, arriving from Tramore AFC having previously impressed in a striking role with near neighbours Waterford.

For goals Wexford will rely on Danny Furlong, who opened his 2011 league account against Shelbourne two weeks ago, along with Grincell who has so far been used sparingly by boss Noel O’Connor. Furlong tweaked a hamstring in the League Cup against Cobh last weekend and is a doubt for Friday’s game but O’Connor will, understandably, wait until the very last moment to see if he can make it.

Mervue started the new season more impressively than many expected, recording a win on the opening day against arch rivals Salthill Devon. This was followed up by a morale boosting home draw against Cork City, although Johnny Glynn’s side have since lost to both Longford Town and Shelbourne.

Glynn made a couple of astute signings over the winter break adding Jason Molloy and Tom King to his squad while also retaining the services of the highly regarded Rory Gaffney who scored his first goal of the league season in last weekend’s narrow 2-1 defeat to table toppers Shelbourne.

Both sides enjoyed recent success in the EA Sports Cup with Wexford dismissing A Championship side Cobh Ramblers to earn a second round meeting with Cork City. Mervue, meanwhile, knocked out a Finn Harps side that were expected to perform well in this years First Division and they will travel to the Brandywell to face Derry City in their second round tie.

Traditionally Wexford have tended to punch above their weight in the league table, perhaps being underestimated by neutral observers and they again find themselves tipped to struggle. Mervue, on the other hand, are starting to convince people that they can rise out of the battle between the bottom two although it remains to be seen if they can maintain their positive performances to date. Overall this is a game that, while unlikely to garner many headlines, could act as an interesting yard stick as to what these clubs can expect from the coming year.

Wexford Youths
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Danny Furlong (hamstring).
Suspended: None.

Mervue United
Injured: Martin Conneelly, John Mountney, Eoin Martin.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Paddy Power Odds: Wexford evens - Draw 9/4 - Mervue 12/5.

Extratime prediction: A 1-1 draw.