League Preview: UCD -v- Wexford Youths

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Fri, May 15 2015




UCD

UCD welcome Wexford to Belfield on Friday night with Collie O’Neill hoping to keep his side’s unbeaten run going, a run which now stretches to six games.

 

Last week the Students conceded a late goal to ten man Athlone in a game they felt they had done enough to secure the three points in.

 

"We played very well for large parts of the game and we were disappointed to concede the late goal. It goes to show how much we have grown over the last few games that we were disappointed only to get a draw away to one of the favourites for the league. Friday will be another tough test as Wexford are in great form lately, however we are on a good run ourselves and are confident of picking up a good result,” remarked manager Collie O’Neill.

 

UCD will be without a number of players through injury and suspension for this home game. Gary O’Neill is still serving a ban he received for a late challenge against Shelbourne in Tolka Park two weeks ago, while no fewer than five players are out through injury. Conor Cannon, Greg Sloggett, Chris Mulhall, Gareth Coughlan and Maxi Kougoun are the men currently occupying the physio’s room at Belfield.

 

If you thought that was bad, well UCD are also going to be without the services of Dan Tobin and Daire O’Connor for at least the next month as the two Irish Schools international players concentrate on their Leaving Certs.

 

 

WEXFORD YOUTHS

Youths were the last team to beat UCD as Shane Keegan’s men scored a first minute goal in Ferrycarrig Park back in March, to send the Students packing.

 

Wexford boss Shane Keegan knows his side are in for a tough game when they travel up the N11 on Friday evening.

 

“UCD are the best team we've played in the league so far this season, technically, they're a cut above everyone else in the division. We had a tough game against them in Ferrycarrig Park and the game today will be no different, especially considering their own impressive streak.”

 

In terms of team news for the Youths, they are without Dean Broaders, with Conor English and Craig Wall carrying slight knocks heading into the fixture. The club have also said that Danny Furlong is still not fully fit, although with his goalscoring form one would have to wonder if that is a good or a bad thing.

 

Referee: Tómas Connolly.

 

 

MATCH FACTS

UCD have won twice and drawn twice in their last four games while Wexford have won three and lost just once.

 

Wexford have scored more goals than anyone else in the First Division with 23, thirteen of them have come away from home.

 

In the First Division last season Youths won just thirteen games, they have won seven already this year while in the Premier Division the College managed six wins while this year they have secured four victories to date.

 

 

BETTING

UCD 8/5; Draw 11/5; Wexford Youths 6/4.

 

PREDICTION

UCD 2-1 Wexford Youths.

 

 

UCD

Injured: Conor Cannon, Maxi Kougoun, Gareth Coughlan, Chris Mulhall, Maxi Kougoun, Greg Sloggett.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: Gary O’Neill.

Unavailable: Dan Tobin, Daire O’Connor (both have the Leaving Cert).

 

Wexford Youths

Injured: Dean Broaders (achilles).

Doubtful: Craig Wall (shoulder), Conor English.

Suspended: None.