League Preview: Drogheda United -v- Wexford

• Andrew Dempsey
• Fri, Aug 16 2019




DROGHEDA UNITED

Drogheda United will look to continue their relentless chase of top of the table Shelbourne when they welcome bottom of the table Wexford to United Park (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Boynesiders secured a late win last time out against Munster Senior League Avondale United – with Ryan O’Shea scoring his first senior goal for the club.

Drogs currently lie second in the First Division, just five points behind Shelbourne with four games left to play.

A win over the Slaneysiders will see Clancy’s side move to within two points of the Reds, with both sides playing each other on the penultimate night of the season at United Park.

Drogheda have only lost twice at home all season, with defeats coming against both Longford Town and Cabinteely.

In terms of team news, Luke Gallagher and Mark Hughes are both rated as doubtful ahead of the visit of Brian O’Sullivan’s side to the Co. Louth venue.

Adam Wixted is however expected to miss out, but he is likely to return to the field of play very shortly for the title-chasing side.

WEXFORD

Looking for their first win since April, Wexford face a tall order when they make the trip to Co. Louth on Friday evening.

It has been a difficult week for O’Sullivan’s charges who have lost record scorer Danny Furlong and fellow long time servant Danny Doyle in the previous days.

The Slaneysiders top scorer is now Emmet Nugent with just three goals to his name this season.

However, Wexford will be buoyed by their most recent showing against Derry City where they almost forced the game into extra-time.

David Parkhouse scored an 84^th minute winner for the Candystripes to send a valiant Wexford out of the competition.

In terms of team news for the visitors, Thomas Croke misses out through suspension as does Andy Mulligan who is still recovering from a recent injury.

Chris Kenny is however expected to make his return after a spell on the side-lines.

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

 

MATCH STATS

This will be the third time the sides have met so far this season, with the Boynesiders winning on bth occasions previously.

Tim Clancy’s side won the first game with a late winner from Mark Doyle in the 92^nd minute after it appeared as if the Slaneysiders were about to secure a point at United Park.

The most recent clash between the sides came in May, with Drogheda edging out a tight one goal encounter. Jake Hyland Luke McNally secured the win for the visitors on that occasion, after Danny Furlong sent the hosts one up.   

BETTING

Drogheda United 1/8; Draw 6/1; Wexford 12/1.

PREDICTION

Drogheda United 4 - 0 Wexford

 

Drogheda United

Injured: Adam Wixted.

Doubtful: Mark Hughes, Luke Gallagher.

Suspended: None.

 

Wexford

Injured: Andy Mulligan.

Doubtful: Chris Kenny.

Suspended: Thomas Croke.