Wexford Youths -v- Limerick FC

• Conor Meagher
• Thu, Apr 09 2009


Mick Wallace’s improving, sixth placed Youths will play host to Limerick FC this Friday at Ferrycarrig Park (8pm kick off) in the hope that they can draw first blood in the first of two encounters with the away side over the Easter Weekend. The second match, on Monday, will see the sides compete at Jackman Park for a place in the next round of the EA Cup.

Best Ever Position
As it stands the home side find themselves placed sixth in the League table after five games and will see this match as a chance to pull away from Limerick who are just one point behind at this early stage of the season. After last weeks’ 1 – 0 away win over Athlone via captain Conor Sinnott’s second half half-volley, Wexford will be hoping to build on the six points collected in difficult circumstances. The wins over Longford Town and Athlone having put a better complexion on things after the team lost the opening three fixtures of the season. "Our players have learnt a lot since we started at senior level two years ago and the introduction of new players, Patrick Holden, David Breen, Timmy McGrath and Peter White has certainly increased our options and given us a more solid look"was Mick Wallace’s view after seeing his side record their second league win in a row.

Expertise and Experience
On the 25th of March last, Limerick FC announced to its fans that former League of Ireland playing mainstay and highly rated young manager, Pat Scully was to take over at the helm of the club. This decision came as the club looked to struggle over the first few games of the season, where a win over newcomers Mervue was the only real shining light to date, after a decent finish last season. Limerick will be hoping to see an instant return on their investment from the two ties with the Slaneysiders this weekend. Scully spoke on signing how "Having met the board, I was very impressed with their plans for the future of Limerick FC and I look forward to playing my part as manager in the future success of the club."

Niggles and Absentees
Youths' manager Mick Wallace will be the main absentee on Friday night as he will be away with the clubs under 17s competing in a tournament in Torino. Noel O’Connor will capably take the reins. Wexford’s injury list was added to in the warm up to the Athlone match as Kyle Dempsey broke his ankle after a freak collision. Tim McGrath will also miss out due to a niggling knee injury. Murphy, Aust and Sheehan are the long term absentees. Johnny Flynn O'Connor will return to the side after missing the last two games.

Wallace believes this game will be a physical encounter but his side are full of confidence. “We're performing well at the moment. We're very solid at the back and that’s bringing a lot of confidence into the side. We know that it's always hard to win three games in a row so we won't be taking anything for granted.
“Limerick a good side and we'll be prepared for a physical encounter and a hard fought game come Friday”.

Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-1