League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Shelbourne

• Simon O'Gorman
• Fri, Aug 15 2014




WEXFORD YOUTHS

Wexford, lying third in the First Division table, come into this game against second-placed Shelbourne with a nine point gap between them and the Reds. Realistically, with just seven matches left to play, the Youths must win to have any hope of over-hauling Johnny McDonnell’s side.

 

The last time these sides met Shelbourne put down a marker by winning 3-0 at Tolka Park, a result emphatic enough to suggest that their position above the Youths is fully merited. But the only team to have beaten Wexford since that day are Longford Town, the division leaders and likely champions.

 

Shane Keegan’s side have scored two or more goals in each of their last five league matches and registered wins against Waterford, Shamrock Rovers B and Galway. Striker Danny Furlong has rediscovered his lethal eye for goal with seven goals in that five game period while his two cup goals give him a combined total of 15 for the season.

 

Last weekend’s win over Galway leapfrogged Wexford into third place, which, should they hold onto it, would represent the club’s highest ever league finish. In the build-up to Friday’s game Keegan was keen to accentuate the positive and offered some perspective on the position his players find themselves in.

 

“What have we got to lose?”, he asked. “Nothing. We don't have the burden of expectation that comes with a big budget. Those around us will be asking major questions if they don't get promoted. It could have negative financial implications and that has to weigh on them. But with us it's different. Without wanting to sound too much like philosopher Brendan Rodgers, for us it's all about enjoying the journey and less about the final destination.”

 

Keegan will be without both Sean Skelly and James Dermody who’s respective injuries have ruled them out for the remainder of the campaign, while there are also doubts hanging over Craig Wall, Craig Shortt and Dean Broaders for Friday night. Ben Ryan, the club’s second highest scorer, will also be absent as he serves a suspension.

 

SHELBOURNE

With three quarters of the season played and just seven matches remaining, Shelbourne’s focus is clear. They have seven match-nights to overhaul the four point gap separating them and league leaders Longford Town.

 

Johnny McDonnell’s men will be well aware of Longford’s impressive run of form, having lost 3-0 to them at City Calling Stadium when they last met in early July. But the Reds are in fine fettle too and recovered from that defeat to win four and draw one of their last five league games.

 

Shelbourne have had mixed fortunes against Friday night’s opponents, Wexford Youths, enjoying two handsome wins at Tolka Park but suffering defeat at Ferrycarrig Park when Eric Molloy scored a 93rd minute winner for the Youths.

 

On aggregate Shels are beating Wexford 5-1 after three league meetings but margins of victory are irrelevant - the bottom line is the three points and Shelbourne need to record their seventh away win of 2014 if they are to maintain the hunt for automatic promotion.

 

Gareth Coughlan - a rising start with St Patrick’s Athletic until a terrible injury curtailed his progress in 2010 - will miss the game due to suspension. He has netted six times for the Reds this season and with Dylan Connolly, Jake Keegan and Lee Murtagh all rated as doubtful, McDonnell could be without his three top scorers on Friday night. Darren Tinnelly, with three league and cup goals to his name, also misses out through injury. 

 

Referee: John McLoughlin

 

 

MATCH STATS

Seventeen different players have scored for Shelbourne in the league this year. Wexford have just eight players who have registered league goals.

 

Shelbourne have won away from home five times in the league this season, while Wexford have won six of their eleven home matches.

 

Shelbourne have only failed to score in three of their 21 league games this year. One of those occasions was away to Wexford.

 

 

BETTING

Wexford 8/5, Draw 21/10, Shelbourne 6/4.

 

PREDICTION

Wexford 1-1 Shelbourne

 

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Sean Skelly, James Dermody.

Doubtful: Craig Wall, Craig Shortt, Dean Broaders.

Suspended: Ben Ryan.

 

Shelbourne

Injured: Darren Tinnelly.

Doubtful: Dylan Connolly, Jordan Keegan, Lee Murtagh.

Suspended: Gareth Coughlan.