League Preview: Wexford -v- Cabinteely

• Andrew Dempsey
• Thu, May 03 2018




WEXFORD FC

Wexford FC will be out looking to build on their battling performance at the UCD Bowl last time out as they host Pat Devlin’s inconsistent Cabinteely side at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening. (Kick-Off is at 8pm)

After struggling in recent weeks, Damian Locke’s charges look to have turned the corner somewhat after a seven goals to nil trouncing of bottom of the pile Athlone Town in their last home game before suffering a battling defeat against top of the table UCD in Belfield last time out as the Slaneysiders pushed Collie O’Neill’s young guns all the way in the capital.

It was a night to remember in Wexford’s last league outing at Ferrycarrig Park as Damian Locke’s side recorded their biggest ever League of Ireland victory at the Wexford venue thanks to goals from Dean George, Shane Barnes and Aaron Dobbs sealing the deal in an emphatic win.

However, Wexford were unable to bring their big result of the previous into their last outing at the UCD Bowl as they were beaten by the Students despite almost snatching a point right at the death in a 3-2 defeat.

One of those who impressed last week for Wexford was on-loan Shamrock Rovers striker Aaron Dobbs who misses out on this home clash against Cabinteely with an injury he sustained against UCD in a mid-air collision with Josh Collins while Conor Sutton also misses out through an injury he picked up over pre-season.

In addition to this, Owen Wall and John Morgan also miss out due to injuries picked up in recent weeks.

Speaking with his club’s official media team, Wexford boss Damian Locke noted that he is expecting a far more competitive spectacle against Cabinteely this time instead of the rather low-key event that was witnessed in the Leinster Senior Cup on Tuesday evening.

"I expect it to be a much more competitive game, nonetheless it was good to get the win last night. It was great to get time into some lads that haven't featured a whole lot so far this year and the next round in the Cup may well give us a similar opportunity."

Wexford have no suspensions to deal with which will be a welcome boost to Damian Locke and his team.

 

CABINTEELY

After suffering the ignominy of last weekend’s floodlight failure at Stradbrook, Cabinteely must dust themselves off to prepare for another away day, this time to Wexford.

Cabinteely have experienced a far from vintage start to their league campaign as the South Dubliners have flattered to deceive somewhat as they lie in 6^th place, just six points outside of the playoff hunt.

Goals have been few and far between for Cabinteely this term as a slow start has seen them rack up only nine goals so far this season with last season’s star Kieran Marty Waters failing to reach his lofty standards that he reached last season as of yet having only registered two goals in his nine league appearances.

Cabinteely will be without manager Eddie Gormley on the sidelines as he serves a one-match touchline ban.

Cabinteely have not provided any team news for this game at Ferrycarrig Park but they have no player suspensions to deal with for this one.

Referee: Alan Carey

 

MATCH STATS

Coincidentally, the last time these sides met was just this past Tuesday, as it was Wexford that came out on top in a one-nil win over their Dublin opposition courtesy of a Ross Kenny header which sent Cabinteely packing from the Leinster Senior Cup.

The last league meeting between the pair saw Wexford come out on top as Sean Hurley poked home from short range to start Wexford’s season off with an almighty bang at Stradbrook on the opening day of the season. 

Both sides have an almost identical away record so far this season as both Wexford and Cabinteely have struggled to get going on the road. Cabinteely’s only win came against bottom of the table Athlone Town while Wexford’s only away win so far came against their upcoming opponents, Cabinteely. 

 

BETTING

Wexford FC 6/4; Draw 21/10; Cabinteely FC  6/4

 

PREDICTION

Wexford 1–1 Cabinteely

 

Wexford

Injured: Aaron Dobbs, Conor Sutton, Owen Wall and John Morgan

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

 

Cabinteely

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None