Wexford Youths -v- Waterford United

Credit:

This Friday evening Waterford United travel to Ferrycarrig Park to play Wexford Youths in a local derby between 4th and 5th in the Eircom League First Division respectively, with a 7.30 kick-off. Although the gap in points between the two south-eastern based sides is 14 points, the Warriors will hope to turn their season around with a decent home display to keep 6th place Monaghan, who play Wexford’s last opponents Shels at home Friday, at bay.

Waterford have been beaten only once in their last ten games in all competitions – by UCD at home, and have won six games on that run. Their last game was a hard fought nil-all at home to Sporting. The Youths will look to transfer their fantastic display last time out in beating league-leaders Shels away to Friday’s match, well aware that although they have won 14 games in the league this season; only four have come at home. A fact that explains the ever decreasing home attendances, plummeting from close to a thousand to three to four hundred a game at home of late. .

Wexford Manager Mick Wallace was full of praise for two-goal hero Garry Sheahan after the Shels game last week when speaking to Wexfordyouthsfc.ie. Wallace said ‘Gary Sheehan scored two goals, two goals to die for. He showed his class with his spectacular second, but he showed his courage and steel with the first. A big goal if ever there was one. A big win if ever there was one and I suspect Noel O’Connor enjoyed it as much as myself’ referring to the Limerick connection between the striker and coach. .

Wallace then spoke of his delight at the performance and of the upcoming game against Waterford in saying ‘What added to the pleasure of the win was the fact that Shelbourne were very good and it’s little wonder they’ve been top of the table for so long. Waterford are also very good and we must play them at Ferrycarrig this Friday night. But the big question is which Wexford Youths side will turn up? Whither my mental equilibrium come ten o’clock next Friday night.’ .

Waterford will hope that new signing Vinny Sullivan can soften the blow from the long term injury David Grincell up front, with the former top scorer returning from his GAA exploits with Dungarvan at the end of August. As quoted on extratime.ie recently, manager Stephen Henderson showed he is excited by the acquisition, understandably so, by stating ‘I'm delighted to have him on board. Vinny has a proven track record of getting goals in the League of Ireland, and he will be a great addition to us up front." The strikers deal runs to the end of the season and although he failed to get of to the desired start last week at home to Fingal, expect goals from him soon. .

In team news, Wallace has a full strength squad to choose from for Friday night, possible for the first time all season. Waterford will be able to call upon the services of Kevin Waters after he was suspended for the Sporting game. Goalkeeper and Captain Michael Devine was expected to miss the Sporting game with a suspected broken toe, but after playing the full 90 minutes he should be available for the trip to Ferrycarrig Park. The blues will also be without long term casualties David Grincell and Paul McCarthy. .

Extratime.ie Prediction: 1-2 Wexford haven’t managed to transfer their impressive away form to their home games yet and will face a Waterford team intent on cementing fourth place. .