FAI Cup Preview: Firhouse Clover -v- Wexford Youths

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, May 19 2016




Firhouse were drawn as the home team for this tie but the game is set to take place in Ferrycarrig Park anyway with an 8pm kick off.

 

FIRHOUSE CLOVER

Firhouse compete in the Leinster Senior League and are one of eleven non-league teams to compete in this weekend’s Second Round FAI Cup ties.

 

Firhouse have in the past managed to upset League of Ireland opposition such as back in 2012 when they managed to overcome Drogheda United in a penalty shootout after the scores were tied at one goal apiece after 120 minutes.

 

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths will be looking to keep their rich vein of form going in this cup game. Coming into this clash with non-league opposition, Shane Keegan engineered his side beyond another non-league opponent in the form of Collinstown FC after extra-time in the Leinster Senior Cup – a game which saw players from both teams sent off, a manager sent off and an outfield players save a penalty.

 

A run in the FAI Cup is something which manager Keegan is hoping to kick start with a victory over Firhouse on Friday.

 

"We have no doubt that this will be a really tough test, very similar to Tuesday night. Firhouse have had a fantastic season and are right in the hunt to win the league so they will deserve the utmost respect. But we're in good form ourselves at the minute and our lads confidence is really high."

 

"We'd love a good run in the FAI Cup this year. Getting to the latter stages would be great for the club and I think it would have a positive rather than a negative effect on our league campaign, which will always remain the priority."

 

Despite Tuesday’s clash with Collinstown going to extra-time, Youths’ should still have a relatively fresh squad to choose from on Friday thanks to a number of players being rested in that encounter.

 

However, a number of a players still find themselves in the treatment room as Danny Furlong, Aidan Keenan, Lee Grace and Peter Higgins.

 

Referee: Sean Grant.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

This is both Firhouse’s and Wexford’s first appearance in the 2016 FAI Cup.

 

This is only Wexford’s second game against non-league opposition this season, with the other of course coming on Tuesday night.

 

Youths have failed to score in four competitive games this season.

 

 

BETTING

Firhouse Clover 15/2; Draw 10/3; Wexford Youths 4/11.

 

PREDICTION

Firhouse Clover 1-2 Wexford Youths

 

 

Firhouse Clover

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: Unknown.

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Danny Furlong, Aidan Keenan, Lee Grace, Peter Higgins.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.