League Preview: Wexford -v- Longford Town

WEXFORD 

Looking to build on their most recent home victory over Bray Wanderers, Brian O'Sullivan's Wexford side will be looking to make it two home wins from two when they face promotion hunting Longford Town at Ferrycarrig Park on Friday (kick-off 7.45pm).

Having conceded a worrying 14 goals in their opening three league games, Wexford appear to have steadied the ship somewhat with only five conceded in last previous three. 

A clean sheet against many people’s title favourites Bray Wanderers will have done plenty to have improved confidence around O’Sullivan’s young guns who were tipped to struggle by many this term. 

Jack Doherty has emerged as a promising find by Wexford, and the Tipperary native once of Longford Town will undoubtedly be hoping to cause one or two issues for his former club. 

Speaking ahead of the game with his club’s official media team, Wexford boss Brian O’Sullivan noted that his side must improve their discipline should they want to get anything from Friday’s game. 

"We need to be better in our discipline obviously, we need to finish with 11 if we are to have any chance in games as last week it cost us dearly,” said O’Sullivan about Sean Callan’s last red card in their 2-1 injury time defeat in Drogheda.

“Another area we're looking for improvement in is with our passing, against Bray we moved the ball really well and caused them problems. If we get them improvements and defend the way we have done in recent games, we feel we can pick up points. 

“We're starting to show we can compete at this level and we'll continue to work hard on and off the field. We had our best performance of the season against Bray, the support for us was fantastic on the night and gave the lads a huge lift on the pitch, it's really appreciated. 

“Hopefully it'll be the same for this week, we know how important it is to pick points up at home in front of our own fans."

LONGFORD TOWN

Hoping to build on their fine start to 2019, Neale Fenn brings his Longford Town side to Ferrycarrig Park as De Town go in search of their seventh win in eight over Wexford. 

Longford have only conceded one goal so far this season, with Rob Manley’s goal for Cabinteely being the only time the Longford defence has been breached so far this season in the league. 

With Shelbourne and Bray Wanderers both struggling in recent weeks, the door has been left wide open for Longford to stake a claim in the First Division title picture and do that they have. 

Wins over Athlone Town and Shels have boosted morale around the City Calling Stadium, however, manager Neale Fenn is wary of the threats posed by an improving Wexford FC.  

“We’ve always found it difficult to go down there, the couple of times I’ve been down there,” the Longford Town boss said.  

“It’s been a dry pitch, and it’s been very slow. We know what we’ve got to do. 

“Wexford have been on a decent run the last couple of games and even though they lost to Drogheda, it was in the last minute, so they’ve improved but you know we’re not scared. We’re going to go down there full of confidence.

Referee: David Keeler. 

MATCH STATS

Longford are unbeaten in seven against Wexford since 2017 with six wins and one draw against the Ferrycarrig Park outfit. 

Longford have only drawn a blank once against the South-Easterners. That came in a 0-0 draw back in April 2017 in front of 212 hardy souls at Ferrycarrig Park. 

Wexford have conceded 22 goals so far this season compared to Longford’s one goal. Brian O’Sullivan’s men have tightened up in recent weeks although having only conceded two in their last three. 

BETTING

Wexford FC 11/2; Draw 3/1; Longford Town 2/5.

PREDICTION

Wexford FC 0-2 Longford Town 

Wexford FC

Injured: Chris Kenny.

Doubtful: None. 

Suspended: Sean Callan.

Longford Town

Injured: Carlton Ubaezuonu.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.