Waterford United v Wexford Youths at the RSC
Tonight (Friday), August 17th, 2012 (KO 7.45pm)

Airtricity League Division One

After drawing nil all with Athlone Town at home last week, the Blues are aiming to return to winning ways at the RSC when they take on neighbours, Wexford Youths, in the third South-East derby of the campaign.

This match sees the start of the final round of matches and United go into the game lying in second place on the table – six points behind leader Limerick FC and ahead of Longford Town on goal difference.

After two wildly contrasting meetings earlier this season, with the home sides winning by six and four goals respectively, without reply, the third encounter between the Southeast’s two league representatives, at Ferrycarrig Park in June, was a much tighter affair, much more in line with previous seasons. All square at the break, it took a late Peter Keegan strike to separate the teams and give United all three points. The Blues now lead the head-to-head this year, but will be wary of a decent Youths side who have not had the results their performances might have earned in recent games.

Manager Paul O’Brien is still without long-term injury absentees Gary Dunphy and Daragh Walshe, though the latter is reportedly making good progress in recent days. Midfielder Ben Ryan is back in training following a thigh strain, but tomorrow’s game may come a bit too soon for him. Forward Peter Keegan and midfielder Peter Higgins are in contention again, however, but suspension rules out counterparts Willie John Kiely and Peter White.

Star striker, Seani Maguire, who was in England on trial during the week is also back and available for selection.

Manager Paul O’Brien says ahead of the game tonight, ‘Last Friday against Athlone was a disappointing result, but have dusted ourselves down and prepared well for Wexford.”

“This game is the first of the fourth and final series of games and anything can happen from here until the end of the campaign.” 

Head-to-Head Recent Results this season

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29 Jun 12     Lge    Wexford Youths    1 – 2    Waterford United
20 Apr 12     Lge    Waterford United    4 – 0    Wexford Youths
02 Mar 12    Lge    Wexford Youths    6 – 0    Waterford United