Salthill Devon -v- Wexford Youths

• Padraic Collins
• Sat, Mar 23 2013




Basement boys Wexford Youths make the long trip to Galway city to take on fellow strugglers Salthill Devon at Drom on Saturday in the Airtricity League First Division with both sides looking to pick up their first points of the season. 7pm.


SALTHILL DEVON

 

Devon has started their league campaign with two losses on the bounce. A 5-0 hammering at the hands of Longford Town at home was followed by a 2-1 away loss to city rivals Mervue United last Friday night.  

 

Suspensions have hampered manager Tony Mannion’s efforts so far, but, the debut of veteran Derek O’Brien, in the defeat to Mervue last weekend, has offered some hope.

 

Mannion has virtually a full squad to choose from for Saturday’s game but it’s unlikely that Graham Kelly will feature due to on-goings with paperwork. O’Brien will make his first home debut and, the return of Brian Geraghty to the Devon defence will surely add some much needed steel and physical presence.

 

Speaking to the Salthill Devon website Mannion was buoyed by last week’s efforts against Mervue and was looking forward to tonight’s encounter.

 

“When you lose your opening two games there is always a bit of tension and some added pressure! However, we came into the game well in the second-half with Mervue and we feel we should have gotten something more from the game.

 

The opening week ‘ambush’ came when the ranks were seriously depleted, but, you have to leave your ‘bad luck’ and poor performances behind in this game and look forward. That is what we have done this week and the lads have reacted well in training. Jumbo and I are looking forward to a fighting performance tonight.”

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Manager Shane Keegan and his Wexford Youth’s side have started this season in similar fashion to Devon with the concession of five goals away to Cobh Ramblers in round one. At Ferrcarrig Park last Friday night, the visit of Athlone Town didn’t prove fruitful either for the home side as they went down by two goals to nil to the midlands club.


Youths will have to turn things around very quickly if they are to improve on last year’s impressive fourth place finish in the first division. Keegan will be hoping to get off the mark at Drom on Saturday with a win.

 

Referee: John McLoughlin.

 

 

BETTING

Salthill Devon: 7/4, Draw: 9/4, Wexford Youths: 5/4


PREDICTION

0-0 - The weather may have improved slightly in windy Galway but Drom is at the mercy of the elements so a draw may be the likely outcome.

 

 

Salthill Devon
Injuries: None.
Doubftul: None
Suspensions: None.

 

WexfordYouths

Injuries: Unknown
Doubful: Unknown
Suspensions: None