League Preview: Cabinteely -v- Wexford

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely play host to Wexford at Stradbrook on matchday three of the 2017 league season on Friday evening (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

The South County Dublin men are currently rooted at the foot of the SSE Airtricity First Division table, but the season is still young. Early season optimism still prevails around Cabinteely with youthful supporters promising their assistance with stadium development.

 

Just over two years ago, the Stradbrook men defeated Wexford in their first ever match in League of Ireland football. That was by 1-0 and Cabinteely sat briefly (for one day!) on top of the standings. In 2017, Cabo are without a point or a goal after two games

 

An opening night home defeat to UCD was followed by a 3-0 away loss to big-spending Waterford at the Regional Sports Centre last week. Kieran Marty Waters played well for Cabo in Waterford but the physically stronger Blues ultimately ran out comfortable winners.

 

Home manager and director of football Pat Devlin will be hoping that his team can serve up a goal for the Stradbrook fans to celebrate this week.



 

Cabo have a special 'season ticket' on offer for away fans, who are invited to buy tickets for both league meetings at Stradbrook for a discounted price of €15.

 

 

WEXFORD



Wexford fell to their first loss of the season last week as they were beaten 2-1 at home by high flying Athlone Town,

 

Wexford boss Damian Locke told the club's media team: "We were disappointed not to get something from the game after dominating for long spells.

 

“I'm sure it's just a case of adding the final pieces to the puzzle, because we have shown against two very well organised defensive sides that we have the ability to cause teams problems".

 

Encouraged by a battling draw in Cobh on the opening weekend of the season, Locke is very clear on what is required for his squad to progress.

 

He said: “We just need to start putting together 90 minute performances. I'm 100% sure we have the players in the dressing room to deliver this over the next few weeks.

 

“We know there is very little expectation on us this year, but that could not be further from the ambitions that we have as a squad. The next few weeks are going to be exciting watching these guys gel together."

 

Locke confirmed that all of his charges came safely through the Athlone match so the Kerry native has a full deck to deal from as he considers his selection for the Stradbrook encounter.

 

 

Referee: David Keller.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

The sides have met on four occasions in the SSE Airtricity League First Division. Wexford have won three of those matches to Cabo’s one. The four matches have produced a total of eighteen goals.

 

Danny Furlong netted five times (including a first half hat-trick) as Wexford hit Cabo for seven at Ferrycarrig Park on 24 April 2015. This represents Wexford’s all-time record league win.

 

Cabinteely: last five league games: WLLLL

Wexford: last five league games: LWLDL

 

 

BETTING

Cabinteely 6/4; Draw 23/10; Wexford 13/8

 

PREDICTION

Cabinteely 1 - 1 Wexford

 

 

Cabinteely

Injured: None

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Wexford

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None.