League Preview: Wexford -v- Cobh Ramblers

Wexford welcome Cobh Ramblers to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday evening in the SSE Airtricity League First Division (kick-off at 8pm).

WEXFORD

Wexford go into this game on the back of a 2-1 home defeat to midlands club Longford Town. Thomas Croke scored Wexford's only goal of the game as they fell to another loss.

Wexford lie in bottom position of the First Division, one point behind fellow strugglers Athlone Town. However, they have experienced an upturn in form of sorts by picking up a total of seven points in their last five games.

Goalkeeper Corey Chambers will make his final appearance for Wexford before heading off to the USA. Speaking with wexfordfc.ie he will look back at his time at the club with positive memories.

“I've really enjoyed my time here with the club. It's been a pleasure to be around the place. Everyone, coaches, playing staff and supporters have been really good to me, and I will no doubt miss being here.”

Also speaking on his keepers imminent departure, manager Damian Locke has spoken very highly of Chambers as he gets ready to depart for the US.

“Corey has been a pleasure to work with throughout my time in Wexford. He's been an example to others both on, and off the pitch. I want to wish him all the best for the future. We all know that he will go on to be a top glass goalkeeper."

In other team news, Conor Sutton is ruled out with a hamstring injury alongside club captain Craig McCabe and Sean Hurley. However, McCabe and Hurley are expected to return to full training next week. In addition to this, the pair of Aaron O'Connor and Adam Hanlon are long term absentees and won't play any role in this game.

In better news for the South-East club, Ricky Fox is expected to return to the team after serving a suspension after his dismissal against Cabinteely.

COBH RAMBLERS

Injury ravaged Cobh Ramblers travel to Wexford following a 4-0 loss away to promotion rivals Waterford FC at the RSC.

Christopher McCarthy, Karl Caulfield, Ian Mylod, Cian Coleman, Cian Kingston, Dean Swords and Anthony O’Donnell are all major doubts for the game and will have their fitness assessed ahead of the game.

To compile misery for Cobh, they have lost the pair of Matthew Whelan and Jason Abbott who have left the club. Whelan has left the club for a scholarship at Davenport University in the USA while Jason Abbott has departed the club citing work commitments.

The Rams will also have to contend with two players on the suspension list with Stephen Christopher still serving a ban following his dismissal in a defeat to Cabinteely alongside Craig Donnellan who has accumulated five yellow cards.

Speaking with cobhramlers.ie, manager Stephen Henderson has said that he is hoping for a reaction from his players this week.

“I can’t wait for Wexford on Friday. I need to get the defeat to Waterford out of my system. The players need to get it out of their system. And together we can go and have a right run at this last series of games.”

In better news for the First Division promotion contenders, they can call on the services of Kevin Taylor who has signed from county rivals Cork City. Taylor, who has played for City in the UEFA Youth League can play as full back for Henderson's charges.

Referee: Tom Dempsey

MATCH STATS

Cobh have picked up seven out of a possible nine points against Wexford this season, in both wins, they have won by the solitary goal.

Wexford have won six out of the last 10 league games between the pair, however they have failed to  register a win over Cobh since their promotion winning campaign in 2015.

First Division strugglers Wexford have only won one home game all season, while Cobh have struggled recently away from home losing their last three away games on the trot.

BETTING

Wexford FC 14/5 Draw 12/5 Cobh Ramblers 10/11

PREDICTION

Wexford FC 1-1 Cobh Ramblers

Wexford FC

Injured: Conor Sutton, Sean Hurley, Craig McCabe, Adam Hanlon, Aaron OConnor

Doubtful: None

Suspended: None

Cobh Ramblers

Injured: None

Doubtful: Christopher McCarthy, Karl Caulfield, Ian Mylod, Cian Coleman, Cian Kingston, Dean Swords and Anthony O’Donnell

Suspended: Stephen Christopher, Craig Donnellan