Wexford Youths -v- Athlone Town

 

Wexford are finding some consistency at just the right time, with only one defeat in their last six league encounters, which has propelled them to fourth position in the league with two games remaining.

 

This represents quiet the turn around for Shane Keegan’s team as not so long ago they were glancing nervously over their shoulder at an improving Mervue United but they have steadied the ship, thanks mainly to victories against teams in and around them in the league despite struggling against the main promotion contenders.

 

The visit of Athlone is a great chance for Youths to go into the final round of games in the box seat for that coveted fourth position.

 

Last week’s goalless draw away to Mervue has meant that Wexford will need toat least win their home game and speaking to the club’s media assistant manager Paddy Carey was confident that his team could secure the required amount of points in their final games.

 

“The lads are all really, really excited, in fairness it’s the last home game of the season too so they want to give the fans, who have been superb all season, a proper send off. We felt we didn’t do ourselves justice last week – it’s all to play for at the moment, if we take a decent amount of points from these last two games, we will finish fourth.”

 

They go into Friday’s game without the services of Aidan Keenan and Shane Nolan due to suspension and Craig Wall who is still on the injury list.

 

It looks like the end of the season can’t come fast enough for Athlone as they struggle to break out a run of form that has seen them without a win in 12 games.

 

In that run they have generally matched teams in most departments but no-one at the club will need reminding that they have only managed to hit the back of the net twice within their winless run.

 

Last week’s one goal defeat against Limerick in Jackman Park typifies the spell the Midlanders are currently enduring as though they carved out a number of opportunities against the league leaders they were unable to capitalise and were made to pay when Limerick grabbed a late winner.

 

The loss of Noel McGhee has been a body blow as he has been their best option up front all season and though he is on the mend the visit to the South-East will come too soon for him to lend a hand.

 

Padraig Moran has no suspensions to deal with this week but injuries to McGee and Stephen Last look like denying them the chance to push for a place in the match day squad.

 

Val Feeney is also unavailable due to being on international duty with the Republic of Ireland U17 squad at the UEFA Qualifying tournament in Macedonia where he took to the field as a substitute in the opening game against Sweden that ended 1-1.

 

Shane Dunne returns to the squad after sitting out last weekends 1-0 defeat while Eric Molloy is also set for a return after recovering from a knee and ankle injury.

 

Referee: A Mullally.

 

Wexford’s two victories this season have both come in Athlone Town Stadium while Athlone won this season’s previous encounter in Ferrycarrig Park.

 

In fact you have to go back to 30th April 2010 for the last time Athlone have lost in Ferrycarrig Park.

 

Wexford have scored more goals this season in the league at home with 25 while Athlone are the second lowest scorers on their travels with nine.

 

Wexford Youths 5/6: Draw 9/4; Athlone Town 11/4.

 

Wexford Youths 1-0 Athlone Town

 

Wexford Youths Injury News: Craig Wall.

Wexford Youths Suspension News: Aidan Keenan, Shane Nolan.

 

Athlone Town Injury News: Noel McGhee, Stephen Last. Unavailable; Val Feeney

Athlone Town Suspension News: None