League Preview: Shelbourne -v- Wexford

SHELBOURNE

Shelbourne host basement battlers Wexford at Tolka Park on this evening looking to enhance their grip on the top of the First Division table (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Reds secured a key win last time out over Athlone Town at Lissywoolen despite a late scare in Co. Westmeath.

Ian Morris, buoyed by his side’s recent form, is hoping that that the fans will continue their impressive support ahead of the visit of Wexford on Friday evening.

“I’d love to see us reach the 1,500 mark with more and more fans coming back to Tolka. You can see and hear the atmosphere from the crowd every week as the attendances creep up and up,” he said. 

“It’s a really enjoyable day out for all. With the entertainment inside the ground with Kid Zones and other initiatives it’s really good for families too,” Morris added. 

Despite being top of the table and looking almost champions elect at this stage, Morris added; “We can’t take anything for granted going into Friday’s game. 

“Look you can't gloss over where we are in the league but there are 18 points to play for which could lead to a huge swing and the other teams can catch us so we can’t take the foot off the pedal.”

Morris finished by saying that; “Wexford have recruited really well in July and their recent good form shows they have been causing teams problems.”

The Reds will be without John Ross Wilson, Darragh Noone through injury while Daniel Byrne and Aidan Friel are doubts through injury. 

WEXFORD

In the midst of a barren winless run, Wexford make the dauting trip to Tolka Park on Friday evening in the hope of securing all three points against a title-chasing Shelbourne.

Having not secured a win away from home so far this season with two draws and nine defeats, it has been a sobering year for Brian O’Sullivan’s side who have struggled at the foot of the First Division table.

However, the Slaneysiders will be buoyed by their most recent showings against the Reds despite not picking up any points.

O’Sullivan’s faltered to a three-goal defeat on their last visit to Drumcondra after turning in a very competitive early showing.

The last clash between the sides saw Shels edge their way past Wexford thanks to goals from Aiden Friel and Dayle Rooney.

New Longford Town signing Jack Doherty scored a consolation goal late on for the Slaneysiders who fell to defeat. 

In terms of team news, O’Sullivan will be without Darragh O'Connor and Chris Kenny who is struggling with a groin strain.  

New recruit and recently returned Andy Mulligan may also be in line to make his debut for the club having missed out on the last few weeks with an ACL injury.

Referee: Jason Mannix.

MATCH STATS

Striker Ciaran Kilduff is Shelbourne’s top scorer this season with nine goals from 19 league games for the ex-UCD and Dundalk hitman.

Shels have won nine of their previous ten league games, with their only blot on the copybook coming at home to Cabinteely during their most recent home outing.

Wexford are winless since April. The Slaneysiders last win came over Athlone Town at Ferrycarrig Park with the recently departed Jack Doherty on the scoresheet.

BETTING

Shelbourne 1/12; Draw 13/2; Wexford 16/1.

PREDICTION

Shelbourne 3 - 1 Wexford

Shelbourne

Injured: None.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

Wexford

Injured: Darragh O’Connor, Chris Kenny.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.