League Preview: Wexford -v- Cabinteely

WEXFORD

Wexford complete their first round of fixtures at home to Cabinteely knowing a win will see them end the series off the bottom of the table (kick-off 7.45pm).

That will be easier said than done against a Cabo side second in the rankings, but Wexford have been boosted in recent weeks by improved performance.

They followed up their first win of the season to Bray Wanderers with narrow defeats to Drogheda United and league leaders Longford Town, conceding late winners in both.

They got on the scoresheet for the fourth successive game last time out against Limerick, leading through Emmet Nugent at the Markets Field before Darren Murphy made it 1-1.

That result lifted Brian O’Sullivan’s side above Galway United into ninth, though they remain five points behind Athlone Town just above them.

Danny Furlong misses out after aggravating a knee injury, but keeper Joe Walshe returned to training and skipper Chris Kenny came through his first game back with no ill-effects.

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely will look to continue their 100% away record in the league this season when they travel to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday night.

Pat Devlin’s side have already seen off Shelbourne, Drogheda United and Cobh Ramblers in the league this season, as well as Bray Wanderers in the Leinster Senior Cup.

Cabo went top of the First Division for the first time in their history thanks to a 3-2 victory over Athlone Town at Stradbrook Park last week.

A brace from the league’s top scorer Rob Manley – who increased his tally to 11 for the season – either side of Keith Dalton’s strike saw Cabo to victory.

They remained top of the table for just 24 hours as Longford Town continued their unbeaten start with a win over Bray, but Cabo will return to the summit with a win.

“Our record against Wexford is obviously not very good,” Devlin told the club’s media team.

“We have huge respect for Wexford. They are always tough to play against. I’m sure we will have another tough game.

“I’m long enough in this game to know that you don’t win league championships after the first phase of matches. We have a lot of work to do.

“We have to keep our feet firmly on the ground. We have a big test on Friday. Let’s see how we get on with that. We just have to concentrate on each game.”

Alex Aspil, Paul Fox and Kieran Butler all miss out with injury.

Referee: Paula Brady

MATCH STATS

The sides have met 11 times in the league since Cabinteely entered the league in 2015, with Wexford boasting seven wins to Cabo’s three.

2018 saw the sides trade away victories over the three meetings, with Wexford winning 1-0 and 2-1 at Stradbrook, while Cabo won 1-0 at Ferrycarrig Park.

Cabinteely’s first ever game in league football game at home to Wexford, when John McKeown’s goal gave the southside club a historic 1-0 victory.

BETTING

Wexford 10/3; Draw 13/5; Cabinteely 4/6.

PREDICTION

Wexford 1 – 2 Cabinteely

Wexford

Injured: Danny Furlong (knee).

Doubtful: Joe Walshe (head).

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely

Injured: Alex Aspil, Kieran Butler, Paul Fox.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.