League Preview: Waterford United -v- Wexford Youths

• Josh Dolan
• Thu, Apr 30 2015




WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford will be looking for their first home win of the 2015 season when they welcome First Division high flyers Wexford Youths to The R.S.C. on Friday night.

 

The Blues have really struggled to get going so far this season. Tommy Griffin has seen side pick up just six points from a possible 24, a run which leaves his side rooted to the bottom of the First Division table.

 

Last Friday saw United denied a share of the spoils away at Athlone Town, as a 74th minute victory broke Blue hearts.

 

“It was a little lack of concentration which cost us and that is disappointing," United boss Tommy Griffin said.

 

"The results are just not going for us right now but nevertheless we are coming to places like this expecting to get results and that was not always the case last season," he furthered.

 

Griffin will be hoping that his side's luck begins to change, starting with Friday night's derby.

 

"Some days it goes right for you and on other days it does not.

 

"We now play at home to Wexford Youths and that is a derby match which always has an edge to it," the United boss concluded.

 

Brian Nolan is set to miss the visit of the Youths with an ankle problem, while Thomas Croke will miss out through a hamstring injury. 

 

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

In contrast to Friday night's opponents, Wexford have been on an excellent run of form, winning six out of their last six fixtures.

 

Last weekend saw the Youths put seven unanswered goals past First Division new boys, five of which were scored by the division's top goalscorer, Danny Furlong.

 

While Youths boss Shane Keegan will be happy with his side's start to the season, he will be hoping for revenge after United inflicted a 2-1 defeat on his side back in March.

 

“We need to right the wrongs of the last performance against Waterford United. That was the motivating factor for the win over Cabinteely FC and it'll be the motivation for the derby game too. We know that if Waterford are going to produce a performance, it’s going to be against us and we need to be prepared for that.”

 

Youths boss Shane Keegan has a number of doubts ahead of Friday night's trip, as the ever prolific Furlong is rated doubtful, along with Craig Wall, Eric Molloy, Craig Comeford and Dean Broaders, who will all be assessed ahead of kick-off tomorrow night.

 

Referee: Paula Brady

 

 

MATCH STATS

Wexford haven't dropped points on the road since losing to Cabinteely on the opening night of the season.

 

Waterford have failed to win a game in any competitions since beating Wexford Youths at Ferrycarig Park in the second game of the league season.

 

United have failed to win at the RSC so far this season.

 

 

BETTING

Waterford United 7/2; Draw 12/5; Wexford Youths 8/11.

 

PREDICTION

Waterford United 0-1 Wexford Youths.

 

 

Waterford United

Injured: Thomas Croke, Brian Nolan.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Danny Furlong, Craig Wall, Eric Molloy, Craig Comeford, Dean Broaders.

Suspended: None.