League Preview: UCD -v- Wexford
- Rory Merriman
- Fri, Aug 02 2024
UCD
Buoyed by a 2-1 victory against Longford Town last weekend, Willie O'Connor's men will have a spring in their step upon their return to Belfield where they host Wexford tonight (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
UCD can put themselves level on points with second-placed Athlone Town with a win, depending on the outcome of Athlone’s clash with Kerry this evening.
With 10 wins, 10 draws and 5 losses this season, the Students have dropped too many points to catapult themselves into a title battle with leaders Cork City.
But they are comfortably sitting in the play-off places following a strong start to the season.
And despite securing all three points in the midlands last week, UCD made hard work of their 2-1 victory over Longford Town.
A blunder from goalkeeper Kian Moore saw the hosts take the lead early on in the tie.
But a first-half equaliser from Adam Wells and a 60th minute winner from substitute Michael Raggett secured all three points for the Students.
With just two less goals scored this season than league leaders Cork City (41), Wexford are the second highest scorers in the league having netted 39 times.
UCD’s defence will have their work cut out as Éanna Clancy and Ciarán Behan search for their seventh clean sheet of the season.
WEXFORD
James Keddy's Wexford, who are currently 6th in the First Division, have had an interesting medley of results this season with 7 wins, 9 draws and 8 losses.
28-year-old Mikie Rowe is the second top scorer of the league this season with 11 goals in 24 appearances in purple and yellow for his 2024 campaign.
Rowe, who has netted twice in his last three appearances, is expected to be accompanied with Aaron Dobbs up front.
And striker Dobbs has also been on fire having scored three times in his last three outings.
Despite being a former UCD player himself with 44 appearances and seven goals at the club, Keddy will hope for a result against the Students tonight with intentions of bettering Wexfords' fourth place finish in the first division last season.
Four points off a play-off spot, Wexford need to start picking up wins if they are to reach the play-offs. Tonight would be a good time to start.
Referee: Lucas Keating.
PREDICTION
UCD 2-1 Wexford
UCD
Injured:Matthew Alonge.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended:None.
Wexford
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended:None.
Rory Merriman is a St. Patrick’s Athletic fan who studied journalism in TU Dublin and has written for numerous publications both online and print. He joined the extratime.com team in 2023.
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