Wexford Youths -v- Waterford United

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Eighth meets ninth in a crunch derby in the League of Ireland First Division on Friday night at Ferrycarrig. There are many personal battles at stake for both teams as Waterford could call on David Breen, Conor Sinnott and Shane Dempsey who all togged out for the Youths in recent campaigns. Another rivalry that traverses not only the county border but also the familial could see Brian Nolan of United face twin brother Shane of the Youths. Indeed the Youths also count former Blues Packie Holden as net minder and David Grincell in attack.

Such a burgeoning rivalry could be just the tonic for the recent lack of form in the blues camp and Henderson is seeking a return to basics coming up to the derby, and saw evidence of this on their last outing against Limerick "“We needed to get back to basics, and we did that to an extent. It’s up to the players now to do it for themselves and to get on a bit of a run.”

Henderson will have to plan without Paul Murphy who picked up a red card against Shelbourne and Willie John Kiely who still has one more week to go in his rehabilitation from a knee injury. Shane Dempsey should be fit to play however after recovering from concussion.

History is on the Blues side also, having only lost to their closest rivals twice in the last six outings, a 2-1 loss back in 2009 and a 1-0 defeat last season in Ferrycarrig, while winning the other two games and Stephen Henderson must be confident of claiming the bragging rights once again. Henderson testifies to the application of his management in seeking victory “When they actually go and do what they’re told to do, we’ll be a strong team this year, so they have to just dig in and get on with it.”

Wexford Youths
Injured: Anto Russell.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

Waterford United
Injured:Willie John Kiely(knee).
Doubtful:Shane Dempsey.
Suspended:Paul Murphy.

Referee: Phil Caschera.
Paddy Power Odds: Wexford 3/1; Draw 23/10; Waterford 4/5.
Extratime prediction: A 1-0 win for Waterford United.