Wexford Youths -v- Waterford United

• P.J. Murray
• Fri, Oct 14 2011




A buoyant Waterford United make the trek to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night to take on a Wexford Youths side who are facing an uncertain future. (Kick off 8:00pm)

 

This will be the last derby meeting between these two sides for this season, but if things don’t improve financially for the Youths then it may be the last for quite some time.

 

Despite having somewhat of a poor season Waterford still managed to up their game and beat the league leaders Shelbourne last week. The result helped lift some of the gloom that surrounds the club, as the once league challengers have capitulated.

 

Youths are coming into the game having only picked up two points in their last eight fixtures, however one of those games was a 2-2 draw away to Cork City. More surprisingly is that their recent 1-1 draw with Athlone Town was their first points picked up at home this season.

 

Wexford travelled to Gortakeegan last week and came away empty handed as they lost 2-0 to title chasing Monaghan United. They may however view this fixture as a chance to put a little more pride on the league table as they have begun to dominate the South-East derbies in recent times.

 

The Blues dominated the early meetings between the sides, but latterly the Youths have begun to impose themselves on precedings, and the last three games on Slaneyside have ended in a draw and a win apiece. Wexford were victorious at the RSC back in July also, but on the other hand United triumphed on their last trip to Ferrycarrig back in April, so Friday's fixture will also be the decider in this season's head-to-heads.

 

Waterford manager Paul O'Brien has no suspensions to deal with, but he may be troubled by injuries. Centre back Kevin Murray remains out for the rest of the season after an operation, and attackers Adam McSherry and Paul Walsh, who limped off against Shelbourne, are doubtful. Wexford will be without the services of Muzzi Mullen and Craig Wall.

 

Speaking ahead of the game Waterford’s first team coach Alan Barry said, “No one knows what will happen during the close season, but all I want, and all Paul wants, is that the players will go all out to win our three remaining games. All we want from them is honest effort in every game.”

 

Conor Molen was more pragmatic in his approach to the game, he said that another three points should see the club safe and that why can’t they do it against Waterford. They may still be looking for their first home win of the season so why not do it on Friday against The Blues?

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Muzzi Mullen, Craig Wall

Doubtful: N/A

Suspended: N/A

 

Waterford United

Injured: Kevin Murray

Doubtful: Adam McSherry and Paul Walsh

 

Referee: Phil Caschera

Paddypower.com odds: Wexford Youths 4/1, Draw 12/5, Waterford United 8/13

Extratime.ie prediction: Going based on form, I would have to go with a Waterford United win 2-1