League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Wexford Youths

• Dave Donnelly
• Fri, Jun 26 2015




CABINTEELY

Cabinteely aim to put together back-to-back league victories for the first time in League of Ireland football when they welcome second-placed Wexford Youths to Stradbrook Road on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Managerless Cabinteely were surprising 2-0 victors over Athlone Town in Blackrock two weeks ago under the stewardship of interim coach Andrew Rice, a result that lifted them off the foot of the First Division table and above Waterford United – a position they'll occupy for at least one more week after the latter lost to Athlone on Thursday.

 

Stephen Dunne is Cabo's only confirmed absentee as he serves the remainder of his two-game ban, but top scorer John McKeown returns after serving his one-game suspension against Athlone.

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford Youths moved to within one point of league leaders Finn Harps with a 3-1 victory over their promotion rivals in Ballybofey two weeks ago and will see this as an opportunity to climb to the summit as Harps face a difficult trip to Shelbourne.

 

However, Youths boss Shane Keegan is taking nothing for granted ahead of his side's trip to Stradrbook where he feels Cabo have settled quite nicely in their maiden LOI season.

 

“Cabinteely have won three games at home so far this season,” Keegan told wexfordyouthsfc.ie. “They're certainly enjoying their home comforts.

 

“They beat Athlone in their last game and deservedly so by all accounts, but we're confident that if we play to our best, we should have enough to get the win.”

 

Wexford will have to do without Conor English and Craig Wall, who both miss out through suspension, while Conor Whittle (hamstring) and Dean Broaders (achilles) are unavailable through injury. However, new signing John Peare has been cleared to feature if selected.

 

Referee: Rhona Daly.

 

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely and Wexford Youths have met just twice before, with Cabo running out unexpected 1-0 victors in their first-ever competitive game thanks to John McKeown's historic goal.

 

The return fixture in Ferrycarrig Park proved to be somewhat less festive for the Dun Laoghaire side, as five goals from Danny Furlong helped Wexford to a 7-0 win, their biggest ever winning margin.

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 7/1; Draw 3/1; Wexford Youths 2/5.

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 0-2 Wexford Youths.

 

Cabinteely

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Stephen Dunne.

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Dean Broaders (achilles), Conor Whittle (hamstring).

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Conor English, Craig Wall.