Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Apr 20 2012




 


WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United have had what could best be described as an inconsistent start to 2012 with a horrible pre-season followed up by a nightmare against Wexford Youths on opening night. Their 6-0 defeat at Ferrycarrig Park will live long in the memory of those that witnessed it and results since then have been mixed.

 

Two wins followed the Wexford debacle, against title favourites Limerick and SD Galway, but the Blues have failed to win in their last four outings and they lie sixth in the table after the first round of league games with just eight points.

 

Last weekend saw ten man Athlone Town hold out for a 1-1 draw at the RSC, a result which will have done little to boost confidence among the home support, though manager Paul O’Brien remains positive.

 

“I felt we were again very unlucky not to take all three points”, he said. “Gary Dempsey's fabulous opening goal was cancelled out by what was, on our behalf, a disappointing goal to concede.The sending off saw Athlone put ten men behind the ball, and try as we did for the second half we just could not get past their inspired keeper. We have to take a lot of positives from the game, and... with the continuing return of more injured players I feel we will get a run going in what is a league of teams all capable of beating each other."

 

Manager Paul O’Brien will be without four of his squad for the re-match with the Youths. Adam McSherry and Gary Keane are long term absentees while defender David Breen and striker Willie John Kiely also miss out, with thigh and ankle injuries respectively.

 

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford’s bright start to the season proved to be no flash in the pan with Shane Keegan having forged a winning mentality at Ferrycarrig Park during his short time in charge. 

 

Following their spectacular opening night the Youths bagged a point at SD Galway before losing to table-toppers Longford, but then went on a three game winning spree with Finn Harps, Mervue and  Athlone all put to the sword. Last weekend’s defeat to Limerick leaves Keegan’s men in third place after the first round of games, just three points off top spot.

 

Speaking to the club website yesterday, Keegan acknowledged that Friday’s opponents would still be smarting from their heavy defeat in March. “If there’s one game they are going to be motivated for it’s going to be this one. Revenge would be the word on everyone’s lips down there I would imagine.”

 

The league is just so competitive... you’re going into every game almost as if its 50/50, the fact that wins have been followed by losses, a lot of teams seem to be like that and it’s because of the strength of the league.

 

As the Youths look to continue their great start to 2012, Keegan may well have a full squad to choose from with no suspensions and only one injury doubt. Defender CJ Browne will be assessed before the game but will not be risked if he isn’t 100% ready.

 

Referee: Conor Fitzgerald.

 

 

MATCH STATS

Waterford are tied with SD Galway as having the leakiest defence in the Division, each having conceded 13 goals in seven league games.

 

Wexford have failed to score on just one occasion this season, in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat to Limerick FC.

 

Having scored six goals on the first night of the season, Wexford have added just six more in their subsequent six league games.

 

BETTING

Waterford 11/10; Draw 11/5; Wexford 11/5.

 

PREDICTION

Wexford to keep on keeping on; 2-1 to the visitors.

 

Waterford Injury News: Adam McSherry (knee), Gary Keane (metatarsal), David Breen (thigh), Willie John Kiely (ankle).

Waterford Suspension News: None.

 

Wexford Injury News: CJ Browne (doubt).

Wexford Suspension News: None.