Cork City make the trip east, in their first away trip of the season, to face Stephen Elliot’s Wexford side with both sides seeing victory in their opening fixtures.
Cork City left it late last Friday Night, stealing the 3 points in late dramatic fashion, courtesy of a goal by star striker Ruairí Keating, who’s goal is still being counted as a Jack Brady own-goal, with many believing the goal should’ve been given to the Treaty goalkeeper to beat the Limerick outfit 1-0.
Wexford’s victory was a lot more comfortable, and also unexpected. They beat Cobh Ramblers 3-0 on Friday Night at St.Colman’s Park, with goals coming all from new signings in Bohemians loanee Ryan Ritchie, their marquee signing at Left-Back Max Murphy from the spot and ex-UCD striker Jake Doyle who would be disappointed to leave with only one goal considering the chances he had, but an assist to take home with him should suffice.
Key Information:
Kick Off: 19:45, Friday February 20th
Where to Watch: LOI TV
Betting Odds: Wexford @3/1, Draw @13/5, Cork City @3/4
Referee: Lucas Keating
Team News
Ike Manjor-Georgewill and Tom McGrath are available for Barry Robson’s City side, following the conclusion of their camp in Spain with the Republic of Ireland U17 squad. Young Charlie Hanover is still out following surgery on his knee. He is joined by Harry Nevin, who is still suspended following his Red Card in last year’s FAI Cup Final vs Shamrock Rovers.
Wexford on the other hand will be relieved to have Mikie Rowe back available for selection on Friday Night, following the conclusion of his suspension. This will be very important for Stephen Elliot to have arguably his best player back for one of his side’s toughest tests they will face this season.
Key Statistics
The last time these 2 sides met was at the final game of the 2024 First Division, the game was one-sided to say the least as City dismantled Wexford 6-0 at the now called Munster FA Turner’s Cross Stadium.
Wexford have struggled in regards to scoring versus the Leesiders in recent years, with the last time they scored more than 2 goals against Cork City was in August 2011 in a 2-2 draw in Cork. Since this game Cork City have had 11 managers (including interims).
Out of the 29 meetings the 2 sides have had, Wexford have come out winners only 3 times, while Cork City have beat the South-East outfit 19 times, with 7 of these winning by 3 goals or more.
Key Players
Wexford will definitely know to expect attacking in numbers with strike-partnership of Ruairí Keating and Sean Maguire, knowing the quality and ability of the two to put the ball in the back of the net, even though that usual clinical finishing was missing against Treaty. Hans Mpongo on the left flank will also force Dylan Hand to be on top form.
Mikie Rowe will be key to Wexford’s ambitions to get something out of the game. The 29 year-old’s experience and versatility across the front line will prove useful and force Barry Robson to do his homework on him.
Previous Meetings
18/10/24 – Cork City 6-0 Wexford FC
4/7/24 – Wexford FC 1-3 Cork City
6/5/24 Cork City 1-1 Wexford FC
1/4/24 – Wexford FC 1-1 Cork City