League Preview: Wexford Youths -v- Athlone Town

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Tue, Jun 09 2015




WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths will welcome Athlone Town back to Ferrycarrig Park this evening in the hope that this time they are once again in a commanding lead at half time, but more importantly that this game lasts the full 90 minutes, as back in May the home team’s generator went on fire causing a floodlight failure which left the referee with no choice but to abandon the contest.

 

Youths were in front at that point thanks to first half goals from Aidan Kennan and Gary Delaney but since that game, Shane Keegan’s side have been beaten on two occasions – although one of those came in the FAI Cup against Premier Division Cork City.

 

Therefore it is quite understandable that the manager is keen for his players to learn from their recent mistakes and move on.

 

“We made some mistakes in last Fridays defeat to Shels. We had a good and frank discussion amongst ourselves directly after the game and we pinpointed what we need to do and how we can go about things. The fact that we have an opportunity to implement them so quickly is fantastic for the group and I predict a strong reaction from us.”

 

Despite being by far the better team in the abandoned fixture, Keegan is well aware that it will count for nothing come 8pm on tonight.

 

“In the abandoned game, we were leading 2-0 but that didn't tell the true story of how the first half went. Both teams had the same amount of chances, but on that night, we were more clinical.“

 

In terms of team news for the home side, Dean Broaders and Conor Whittle are definitely ruled out with hamstring and achilles injuries respectively while Gary Delaney is also set to miss the game due to suspension. Youths fans will be hoping that Danny Furlong recovers from a knee injury in time for kick off while Eric Molloy is also listed as a doubt due to a calf complaint.

 

Access to tonight’s game is free as Wexford wish to issue an apology to the fans from both sides that were forced to depart Ferrycarrig Park after just 45 minutes of action last time round, as well as that the club handed out 1,000 complementary tickets to Youths fans in Wexford Town over the weekend whilst their will also be free entry to a draw that will see one lucky fan pick up a Wexford Youths jersey.

 

 

ATHLONE TOWN

A win for Athlone on Tuesday tonight would push them up the table to within seven points of the leaders, Finn Harps, in what will surely be used as an incentive by manager Alan Matthews.

 

Athlone continue to struggle to deal with their growing injury list with Aidan Collins, Gavin Boyne, Philly Hand, Thomas Mulroney and Philly Gorman all listed as doubts for this fixture.

 

When speaking to Midlands Sport after the Finn Harps game, Manager Alan Matthews was understandably a very proud man.

 

“They [Finn Harps] are a big, strong, physical side and we played quite well, carved out a couple of openings in the first half but couldn’t take them. We had to defend with gusto from set pieces and I thought we did, we also had to throw in an 18 year old in goal for his debut so all in all I am delighted.

 

“It is a big win for us but more importantly it will give the players that extra bit of belief,” concluded the former Bray Wanderers boss.

 

Referee: Paula Brady.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Garbhan Coughlan is Athlone’s top scorer with seven goals (two in the FAI Cup) while Wexford’s Danny Furlong sits atop of the First Division goalscoring charts.

 

Athlone have only failed to score at home once this season, that game was against Youths. Wexford themselves have also only failed to score once at home – a fixture in April against First Division leaders Finn Harps.

 

Shane Keegan’s men have the second highest goal difference, only trailing UCD by four.

 

Athlone have only managed to score the two goals away from home in five attempts, while Wexford have scored twelve at home in six outings.

 

 

BETTING

Wexford Youths 17/20; Draw 12/5; Athlone Town 11/4.

 

PREDICTION

Wexford Youths 1-1 Athlone Town.

 

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Conor Whittle (hamstring), Dean Broaders (achilles).

Doubtful: Eric Molloy (calf), Danny Furlong (knee).

Suspended: Gary Delaney.

 

Athlone Town

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Aidan Collins, Gavin Boyne, Philly Hand, Thomas Mulroney, Philly Gorman

Suspended: None.