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League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Finn Harps
- Dave Donnelly
- Fri, Apr 17 2015
WEXFORD YOUTHS
Wexford's disappointing start to the season has been well and truly reversed in recent weeks, and last week's impressive 4-2 victory at Shelbourne, their fourth on the bounce, has brought them to within two points of the summit.
Any sort of win for Youths over current leaders Finn Harps would send them top of the table, and with home advantage they'll be quietly confident of taking the points against the early-season pace-setters, though they'll have to break down the division's meanest defence to do so.
Speaking ahead of the game, Youths manager Shane Keegan said: “Harps have had a fantastic start to the season and it hasn't surprised me in the slightest. Ollie (Horgan) is probably the manager I'm closest to in this division and we chat on a regular basis.
“He's done terrific work at the club since he's taken over and I fancied them to have a successful season. He likes to play down their prospects but he's kidding nobody! Their current position in the league table is very much justified and I expect to see them there or there about's right through to the end of the season.”
Stephen Last and Dean Broaders are certain to miss out as they continue their recoveries, while there will be late fitness tests for Craig Comerford, Eric Molloy and Craig Wall.
FINN HARPS
Finn Harps arrive in Wexford for their second top-of-the-table clash in successive weeks, having overcome Athlone Town at Finn Park last Friday.
Unbeaten Harps have led the division since the first day but they find their position under threat as they face a tough trip to in-form Youths, and will be hoping their tight defence (only two goals conceded all season) will keep out a Youths side who've only scored twice themselves at home.
Harps boss Ollie Horgan said: “I feel Wexford have what it takes to get out of our Division. They are physically strong, have some very talented players and have a great workrate about them. They finished fourteen points ahead of us last year and Shane Keegan has made some very good additions since.
Danny Furlong on his own almost scored more than our whole team put together last year. We couldn't beat them over the four league games last season so we know how tough it will be home or away to Wexford.”
Packie Mailey is Harps' only confirmed absentee, but there are doubts over Ruairí Keating, Damien McNulty and Gareth Harkin ahead of the crunch game.
Referee: David Keeler
MATCH STATS
Wexford Youths and Finn Harps met four times in the league last season: three ended in draws, while Wexford won the final enncounter at Ferrycarrig Park by three goals to nil.
The sides also met in the last sixteen of the FAI Cup, where Harps triumphed 2-1 in Wexford before eventually being beaten at the semi-final stage by St Patrick's Athletic.
BETTING
Wexford Youths 10/11; Draw 9/4; Finn Harps 10/4.
PREDICTION
Wexford Youths 1 – 0 Finn Harps
Wexford Youths
Injured: Stephen Last (knee), Dean Broaders (ankle).
Doubtful: Craig Comerford (back), Eric Molloy (foot), Craig Wall (ankle).
Suspended: None.
Finn Harps
Injured: Packie Mailey.
Doubtful: Ruairí Keating, Gareth Harkin, Damien McNulty.
Suspended: None.
