Louth Vs Wexford

mise_me_fein

I'm predicting a Louth win. Being from Louth obviously I'm biased. Anyone have any reason to suggest why Wexford should win.

A good 5 or 6 point win would set us up nicely for the semi Vs Laois.

L5

I need 2 tickets for this if anyone has them spare! thanks
also predicting a win for louth if the louth team from the last game show up , and not the team that drew twice with Wicklow

blackbelt

Have to go with Wexford by a point or two.I would have predicted a bigger win for Wexford but Louths three excursions with Wicklow will stand to them so I won't be too surprised if Louth win.Not contradicting myself here.

Paul Bealin will also have studied Louth very closely in all three games and will identify all major threats and pick out weaknesses.This may neutralise Louths advantage in playing more matches as Louth haven't really been able to study Wexford recently.

Are you tense Cruiserweight

cruiserweight

blackbelt wrote:

Are you tense Cruiserweight

I can see a tight game here but a Wexford victory by 3-4 points.However, the main worry is the lack of games, this will be Wexford's first competitive game since they beat Meath in Wexford Park on Easter Sunday. Although they have played a number of challenge games against Offaly, Carlow and most recently Sligo. They lost to Sligo and apparently there are concerns in the management about the team being up to pace at the start of the game on Sunday.

I think that the Wexford team has improved slightly this year, and IMO were the best team in division 2. Some complacency on the first day out cost us big time. The main areas of concern for Wexford in recent years have been the full back line, finding a consistent partnership in midfield and finding a balance in the forwards. While I don't think the first point has been addressed fully I think there has been a lot of progress on the other points. The midfield is now settled and won't be changed for the game on Sunday barring injury. There is also now a mix in the forwards between ball winners e.g. O'Dwyer and Fogarty, points scorers e.g. Forde and players who will run and create e.g. Barry and Deeley, and all of them are good football players. The management have had time to address those issues this year which maybe they didn't have last year.

As for Louth, a lot of people will point to recent progress that has been made in both the league and championship. I think that they are at the same stage of development that Wexford were a few years ago, with Wexford being slightly ahead of them still.

Smarmore

cruiserweight wrote:

As for Louth, a lot of people will point to recent progress that has been made in both the league and championship. I think that they are at the same stage of development that Wexford were a few years ago, with Wexford being slightly ahead of them still.

I'd have to disagree with this cruiserweight. Yes Wexford have improved a lot over the last few years but Louth have been a decent team for a long time. I know Louth haven't had a lot of success but they were very unlucky in a lot of games in the mid to late 90s where Meath seemed to have an Indian sign over them and they were very poorly managed. When Paddy Clarke took over he did a lot of good work and I was sad to see him go. A lot of the players like JP Rooney and Aaron Hoey are still there from that team. After Clarke left the team went through a transitional period until McEneaney came along. Before he came in it was a regular occurence for Louth to dominate teams without putting them to the sword. I remember a qualifier game 3 or 4 years ago in particular where Louth kicked 19 wides and Kildare kicked 4. Kildare won by point. The foundations were there for McEneaney but he has largely taken that profligacy out of their game and you could see in the second hald against Wicklow when that team clicks they are very formidable.

I expect Louth to win on Sunday. Any lingering injury problems seem to have healed, Farrelly will be back in midfield, and we have the ability to shake things up because we have more strength in depth. Lennon, Clarke and Grimes came off the bench in the last game!! Wexford rely to heavily on Mattie Forde. I know a lot of people think that's a little condescending to the rest of the Wexford team but it's true. It should be a good game but I expect Louth to win marginally.

cruiserweight

Smarmore wrote:

I know a lot of people think that's a little condescending to the rest of the Wexford team but it's true. It should be a good game but I expect Louth to win marginally.

More than a little condescending to say the Wexford rely heavily on the most over rated player in the country. It is normally in tight games where Wexford are under pressure that he goes missing or does something stupid e.g. like against Offaly last year or Westmeath in 2004. So I expect him to run up a big score against Louth when Wexford are comfortable If Deeley and Barry see a lot of the ball then Wexford will win. If Barry is selected in the full forward line I would expect him to roam out the field with 2 men inside.

Smarmore wrote:

I'd have to disagree with this cruiserweight. Yes Wexford have improved a lot over the last few years but Louth have been a decent team for a long time. I know Louth haven't had a lot of success but they were very unlucky in a lot of games in the mid to late 90s where Meath seemed to have an Indian sign over them and they were very poorly managed. When Paddy Clarke took over he did a lot of good work and I was sad to see him go. A lot of the players like JP Rooney and Aaron Hoey are still there from that team. After Clarke left the team went through a transitional period until McEneaney came along. Before he came in it was a regular occurence for Louth to dominate teams without putting them to the sword. I remember a qualifier game 3 or 4 years ago in particular where Louth kicked 19 wides and Kildare kicked 4. Kildare won by point. The foundations were there for McEneaney but he has largely taken that profligacy out of their game and you could see in the second hald against Wicklow when that team clicks they are very formidable.

They have been a decent team for a while, but my point is that Wexford have been competing at a higher level than Louth in the last few years and are slightly ahead in their development. They have been in the Leinster semi finals for the last 4 years, and the team that has beaten them has gone on to win in 3 times. They have beaten teams of the calibre or Armagh, Tyrone, Meath, Galway, Kildare, Offaly, Derry etc in the last few years.

The argument on this forum seems to be that if Louth perform against Wexford like they did for 35 minutes out of almost 4 hours of football they will win. Wicklow are a division 4 team, if I was from Louth I would be more worries about the performance in the other two games and the first half against Wicklow in the 3rd game. Just like I am worried about the lack of competitive games for Wexford

Smarmore

Yeh I appreciate Wexford have done well in the last few years. I was at the League games for Louth last year though and they annihilated Limerick in the semi-final. They then took Donegal, Division 1 champions this year, to a replay and beat them when nobody gave them a chance. I was at the Meath game too, fantastic first 35 minutes.... Then Tyrone, most amazing game I was ever at, they showed their character and resolve was still there. They put it up to them in the replay too but I have to say the hype around the Louth team last year was crazy. Even before the Meath game I've never seen so much hype and expectation for the Louth team. Maybe they just crumbled under that pressure.

I do feel Louths strength in depth, match fitness and the fact they've played in Croke Park twice this year will carry them through. Although I won't be putting any money on it

mise_me_fein

Think your right Smarmore. Only Louth people can understand what you are saying. Every time the team seems to be going places and then they let us down, but hopefully not this year. We do seem to be building.

Remember the last minute Meath victory a few years ago and the loss to Monaghan by a point....this list goes on.

People conviently place Donegal up there are potential Ulster champs this year, but you're correct we beat them just last year in the Division 2 final.
Louth really dug out the victory against Wicklow this year. That's something I've never seen. Louth getting a result when perhaps they didn't deserve to.

Wexford are at best a good Leinster side. They'll not win it in the next 10 years for sure. Louth on the other hand definetly have that potential.

I wouldn't worry too much about Mattie either. Louth always get goals and I expect them to completly outscore Wexford.

cruiserweight

mise_me_fein wrote:

People conviently place Donegal up there are potential Ulster champs this year, but you're correct we beat them just last year in the Division 2 final.
Louth really dug out the victory against Wicklow this year. That's something I've never seen. Louth getting a result when perhaps they didn't deserve to.

A year is a long time in football Donegal have been improving for the last few years and didn't have a particularly good year last year. However, I think they were lucky to get over Armagh in a dour game.

mise_me_fein wrote:

Wexford are at best a good Leinster side. They'll not win it in the next 10 years for sure. Louth on the other hand definetly have that potential.

If they are to win it, it will have to be in the next couple of years, there is not much young talent coming through. I feel that 2004/2005 were their best chances.

mise_me_fein wrote:

I wouldn't worry too much about Mattie either. Louth always get goals and I expect them to completly outscore Wexford.

I don't worry about him either, there are five other forwards capable of scoring. Banville will be out injured but hasn't been playing well recently. The loss of Kinsella could be a major blow this year. But in O'Dwyer we have added an extra ball winning forward and Lyng returning from playing soccer in England is also a good addition.

mise_me_fein

Well you seem to have an answer to everything I say.....If both teams play to their full potential Louth will win.

I can't remember anyone getting too exicted about Wexford in the last few years. A lot of people notcied that when Louth play to their potential they can really well beat anybody....Consider first half Vs Meath last year and second Vs Tyrone. Louth were untouchable in both halves. If we play a full game like that I really think we would be the top team in Leinster.

As for Wexford, you'd be better off focusing your efforts on the hurling.

Smarmore

mise_me_fein wrote:

Wexford are at best a good Leinster side. They'll not win it in the next 10 years for sure. Louth on the other hand definetly have that potential.

I wouldn't worry too much about Mattie either. Louth always get goals and I expect them to completly outscore Wexford.

I wouldn't just be that confident about it but I think you're right Wexford could be a team on the wane whereas Louth is a team that is very much on the up. As you said cruiserweight Wexford have made 4 semi-finals in the last 4 years but they have never managed to get past that level. Have they made any improvements since last year, or the year before? I don't think so. Whereas Louth have. It will be an interesting match but as a Louth fan we haven't made a Leinster final since 1960!! The players should know this is their best chance to get there since the Offally semi-final in the mid-90s. Hopefully that will drive them on to do it. They should go into the game with a bit of confidence whereas Wexford will be that bit more unsure of themselves. I expect Louth to get off to a flying start and as you said Louth are always good for a goal. Go on the Wee County!!!

cruiserweight

mise_me_fein wrote:

Well you seem to have an answer to everything I say.....If both teams play to their full potential Louth will win.

Just discussing the game, I thought that that what this thread was for

mise_me_fein wrote:

I can't remember anyone getting too exicted about Wexford in the last few years.

I think you might find Wexford vs Dublin 2005 was one of the most exciting games that year, I also found the league final against Armagh that year exciting

mise_me_fein wrote:

A lot of people notcied that when Louth play to their potential they can really well beat anybody....Consider first half Vs Meath last year and second Vs Tyrone. Louth were untouchable in both halves. If we play a full game like that I really think we would be the top team in Leinster.

"If they played to their potential", can be said about a lot of teams. You are basing Louth's "invincibility" on two halves of football a year apart. I don't think that either team will run away with the game, but that Wexford will win. For the record if both teams play to the best of their potential, then Wexford will win IMO

mise_me_fein wrote:

As for Wexford, you'd be better off focusing your efforts on the hurling.

I enjoy having two teams to cheer for and follow But it would be nice to see the Louth hurlers getting a day out in Croke Park again this year

cruiserweight

Smarmore wrote:

I wouldn't just be that confident about it but I think you're right Wexford could be a team on the wane whereas Louth is a team that is very much on the up. As you said cruiserweight Wexford have made 4 semi-finals in the last 4 years but they have never managed to get past that level. Have they made any improvements since last year, or the year before? I don't think so. Whereas Louth have. It will be an interesting match but as a Louth fan we haven't made a Leinster final since 1960!! The players should know this is their best chance to get there since the Offally semi-final in the mid-90s. Hopefully that will drive them on to do it. They should go into the game with a bit of confidence whereas Wexford will be that bit more unsure of themselves. I expect Louth to get off to a flying start and as you said Louth are always good for a goal. Go on the Wee County!!!

As I said earlier, there were 3 main ares of concern that I had for the Wexford team in the last few years. 2 of them have been addressed this year. The key question is have Wexford learnt from their defeats, I hope they have and that that will bring them on this year. It is only the quarter finals, it is a bit early to be talking about Leinster finals for either team, especially for Louth

Smarmore

OK the 2 concerns you have claimed are fixed.

1) Midfield: Louth struggled in this department in the first 2 and a half games against Wicklow. Ronan Caroll was brought in and was too inexperienced. Farrelly was pushed back alongside Keenan and they clciked straight away. Keenan felt comfortable pushing forward and scored Louths first 3 points in the second half. The presence of Keenan and Farrelly in the Louth midfield is vital and they are an excellent pairing.

2) Forwards: For me there is no contest between Wexford and Louth here. Wexford have a few decent forwards that work hard and can lay off chances for Mattie but there's noone else with his cutting edge. Louth on the other hand are spoilt for choice in this department. JP Rooney played his first full game 2 weeks ago and was excellent, he's arguably the most clinical man in GAA for goalscoring. Clarke was out of sorts in the first couple of games but is a very clinical finisher. Then we have Aaron Hoey and Stanfield who are very aggressive players that can wear down the back line. Brennan on the 40 who is an outstanding playmaker. His finishing lets him down badly on occasion but he is excellent at creating chances. Shane Lennon had a great league campaign, Grimes has proven himself over the years, O'Brien, McDonell. Louth have much more power here even including the Mattie factor.

mise_me_fein

Clarko won't start I'd say. I agree Farrellly and Keenan are a good centre pairing. That's what won us the league 2 title.

The only time Wexford seem to be involved in "exciting" games is when they lose. Lets hope this week's game is a cracker!

I'm glad Louth are playing a team like Wexford....all I remember last year was playing Donegal, Meath and Tyrone.....we could do with playing a weaker side to build up the confidence.

I just can't see these strawberries winning this game at all.

cruiserweight

Smarmore wrote:

OK the 2 concerns you have claimed are fixed.

1) Midfield: Louth struggled in this department in the first 2 and a half games against Wicklow. Ronan Caroll was brought in and was too inexperienced. Farrelly was pushed back alongside Keenan and they clciked straight away. Keenan felt comfortable pushing forward and scored Louths first 3 points in the second half. The presence of Keenan and Farrelly in the Louth midfield is vital and they are an excellent pairing.

2) Forwards: For me there is no contest between Wexford and Louth here. Wexford have a few decent forwards that work hard and can lay off chances for Mattie but there's noone else with his cutting edge. Louth on the other hand are spoilt for choice in this department. JP Rooney played his first full game 2 weeks ago and was excellent, he's arguably the most clinical man in GAA for goalscoring. Clarke was out of sorts in the first couple of games but is a very clinical finisher. Then we have Aaron Hoey and Stanfield who are very aggressive players that can wear down the back line. Brennan on the 40 who is an outstanding playmaker. His finishing lets him down badly on occasion but he is excellent at creating chances. Shane Lennon had a great league campaign, Grimes has proven himself over the years, O'Brien, McDonell. Louth have much more power here even including the Mattie factor.

The concerns that I had with those areas was more so the positioning and balance of the team, rather than the personnel. I am sure the Louth midfield and forwards are great, but I do think that Wexford will have the upper hand. BTW any team that faces Wexford and thinks they just have to keep Mattie Forde quiet is in for a big shock

Smarmore wrote:

Clarko won't start I'd say. I agree Farrellly and Keenan are a good centre pairing. That's what won us the league 2 title.

The only time Wexford seem to be involved in "exciting" games is when they lose. Lets hope this week's game is a cracker!

I'm glad Louth are playing a team like Wexford....all I remember last year was playing Donegal, Meath and Tyrone.....we could do with playing a weaker side to build up the confidence.

I just can't see these strawberries winning this game at all.

Just for the record, Wexford have beaten Meath the last 4 times we have played them. Wexford also beat Tyrone the last time they played them, and only lost by 1 point the time before that. If we believe that they are a weaker side that will just roll over you are in for a suprise

I am wondering if there is anybody else here who has a more neutral view on the game?

Smarmore

cruiserweight wrote:

Just for the record, Wexford have beaten Meath the last 4 times we have played them. Wexford also beat Tyrone the last time they played them, and only lost by 1 point the time before that. If we believe that they are a weaker side that will just roll over you are in for a suprise

I am wondering if there is anybody else here who has a more neutral view on the game?

I would be interested in a neutral point of view as well. I never claimed Wexford will just roll over at all. I think it will be an evenly contested game and would not be surprised if Wexford win. Paddy Power have Louth as slight favourites at 10-11 with Wexford at 11-10. Draw is 15-2. That would suggest most people feel the same way, that it will be a close game. Obviously as a Louth fan I'm biased but it's interesting to see a Wexford mans point of view as well. You obviously know the team better than me and your attitude towards Mattie Forde is interesting. I would have thought he would be a bit of a legend down your way. Congrats on beating Meath 4 times in a row though. That's one mental barrier this Louth team needs to overcome. Hopefully they will get to do it in the Leinster Final!!!:p

cruiserweight

Smarmore wrote:

Paddy Power have Louth as slight favourites at 10-11 with Wexford at 11-10. Draw is 15-2.

I made a good bit of money off of Paddy Power betting on the Wexford vs Meath game last year Wexford are never strongly backed in the football.

Smamore wrote:

That would suggest most people feel the same way, that it will be a close game. Obviously as a Louth fan I'm biased but it's interesting to see a Wexford mans point of view as well. You obviously know the team better than me and your attitude towards Mattie Forde is interesting. I would have thought he would be a bit of a legend down your way.

Ah maybe I am a bit biased coming from a rival club But he does have a reputation for going missing in big games and for doing some stupid things from time to time

blackbelt

As a neutral Dub supporter,I think Wexford will win.They are potential banana skins and can give anybody a run for their money eg Dublin vs Wexford 05

If Wexford play with the same intensity they did against Dublin in 05,it could be over come the 55th minute.Mattie Forde can swing them over from any angle.His point that smacked of the cross-bar and over from the Cusack Stand against Dublin is one of my favourite points ever.

Smarmore

blackbelt wrote:

As a neutral Dub supporter,I think Wexford will win.They are potential banana skins and can give anybody a run for their money eg Dublin vs Wexford 05

If Wexford play with the same intensity they did against Dublin in 05,it could be over come the 55th minute.Mattie Forde can swing them over from any angle.His point that smacked of the cross-bar and over from the Cusack Stand against Dublin is one of my favourite points ever.

Is that really a neutral point of view blackbelt?

Because of the fact Wexford haven't played yet and Louth have 3 games under their belt I can't see Wexford coming into the game with that kind of intensity and I think Louth will be sharper in the early stages. Also Mattie Forde is coming back from an injured ankle so I can't see him being the major influence he has been in the past. It's true that Forde can swing them over from any angle but I wouldn't like to base a prediction on Mattie Fordes potential performance. As a Louth fan I have to admit Louth are very hot and cold. That's why they are a very unpredictable team and this result is going to be very hard to call. You are basing that prediction on a Wexford performance against Dublin blackbelt so it is slightly biased. Ask a Donegal or Tyrone fan and they may have a different opinion. Either way nobody can deny that Louth and Wexford are 2 very entertaining, attacking teams. I think as a spectacle it could be a great game. Hopefully there will be a good crowd and atmosphere in Croke Park to witness it.

blackbelt

No Smarmore,it is a completely neutral and objective point of view,no biase.Wexford have the team to win this match and the fact that Louth played three matches is revealing more to Paul Bealin and Wexford who can analyse who the key threats are and where Louths weakness lies.Thats not to say they have the complete advantage.Louths three outings will do nothing but good for them but the fact Bealin and Wexford have seen these three matches somewhat neutralise the advantage Louth have.

Forde wasn't good last year but was having a good run in 04 and 05.He'll want to make up for costing Wexford last year and prove the critics wrong after that stamp on the Offaly player.

Wexford can shock anybody on any day.Dublin may have been guilty of falling asleep against them in 05 and getting away with it but its not very common to score 2-10 in a match and still lose.

I just think Wexford will win for the fact they've been in three Leinster semi-finals and Louth had trouble putting Wicklow away.Although it has to be said that Wexford lost against the same team that Louth beat but I think you can't compare like with like.

cruiserweight

blackbelt wrote:

I just think Wexford will win for the fact they've been in three Leinster semi-finals and Louth had trouble putting Wicklow away.Although it has to be said that Wexford lost against the same team that Louth beat but I think you can't compare like with like.

Just for the record Wexford lost a meaningless O'Byrne Cup match to Wicklow, when Wexford needed to win in the league against Wicklow they did.

Smarmore

Well we're obviously not going to reach an agreement on this one but I certainly wouldn't say it's cut and dried either way. Btw Cruiserweight what's this O'Connor guy like, the dual player that's just come into the squad? On another note do you really think Banvilles absence will have no bearing. As I said one of Louths strengths at the moment is their strength in depth which was showcased in the second half against Wicklow. This O'Connor guy has been named on the bench but have Wexford any other players of the calibre of Clarke or Lennon who can come off the bench and change the game for Wexford?

mise_me_fein

I suppose you can look at it both ways. I think it's good that Louth had 3 games against Wicklow. They're coming off a great second half in the last game.....The Wexford manager can take what he wants from the 2-11 scored in the second half against a team that beat him previously this year.

Louth have been playing Div 1. I think this will be the factor this year.

cruiserweight

Smarmore wrote:

Well we're obviously not going to reach an agreement on this one but I certainly wouldn't say it's cut and dried either way. Btw Cruiserweight what's this O'Connor guy like, the dual player that's just come into the squad? On another note do you really think Banvilles absence will have no bearing. As I said one of Louths strengths at the moment is their strength in depth which was showcased in the second half against Wicklow. This O'Connor guy has been named on the bench but have Wexford any other players of the calibre of Clarke or Lennon who can come off the bench and change the game for Wexford?

DOC played at centre forward for his club St. Annes this year in the county championship and is captain of the team. St Annes would be one of the stronger football teams in Wexford with another 2-3 first team inter county players. He was mainly playing in the full back line for the hurlers and at centre forward last Saturday. He is a big guy who could win a lot of ball.

As for the forwards. Banville he hasn't played well for Wexford in a long time, so it is debatable how much of a loss he is. Diarmuid Kinsella who has gone to Hong Kong would be a bigger loss to the team IMO. John Hudson is also missing from last years panel, he lost part of his finger in a domestic accident. John Hegarty has also retired from last years team.

However, Wexford have gained a few extra forwards. O'Dwyer has transfered from from Clare and would be a full forward or centre forward. Ciaran Lyng (another dual player) has also joined the panel, he was in England for a few years playing soccer for Preston amongst others and would be a goal threat. Eric Bradley is also getting more playing time this year and is a scoring threat from midfield, and would compensate in some ways for the loss of Kinsella. In addition to this Ciaran Deeley who did very well last year, has an extra year behind him and championship experience behind him and should be even better this year than last.

So basically Wexford have the same numbers they had before but with a rotation of players. We have some additional big men and ball winners in the forwards, to complement David Fogarty and Paddy Colfer, that we didn't have before so this might allow a change in tactics if required. Like I said earlier I think there is more of a balance in the forwards this year in comparison with previous years. The forwards will probably consist of 8 of the following 6 Deely, Colfer, O'Dwyer, Fogarty, Flynn, Lyng, Barry and Forde, meaning there are at least 2 quality forwards to come off of the bench.

Smarmore

mise_me_fein wrote:

I suppose you can look at it both ways. I think it's good that Louth had 3 games against Wicklow. They're coming off a great second half in the last game.....The Wexford manager can take what he wants from the 2-11 scored in the second half against a team that beat him previously this year.

Louth have been playing Div 1. I think this will be the factor this year.

Bang on!! 2 points I didn't even mention. Louths final position in the league is not an accurate reflection on how well they played at all. In Armagh we were leading by 2 points going into injury time when Steven McDonnell grabbed a goal. In Laois, our Leinster semi-final opponents, we got a very creditable draw and could easily have won the match. True Louth tapered off towards the end and got a bit of a hiding in the last game against Derry but overall they gave a good account of themselves. By all accounts McEneaney trained them very hard this year which is why I think they ran out of steam in the latter stages of the League. They also looked very lethargic in the first game against Wicklow, they looked barely fit to move. However everything clicked together in that second half against Wicklow and it was like the whole team just came out the other side of all that a rejuvenated side. 2-11 in one half is serious scoring in Croke Park against any team and I certainly wouldn't belittle Wicklow like other people have done. We'll see in time how much Wicklow have improved. Bottom line is if Louth perform like they did in that second half they will win.

mise_me_fein

Did Waterford beat Wexford in the League this year?

Just wondering....Oh I can't wait for Sunday. You strawberries are gonna be hammered score wise that is....not like Laois 1991....remember that Smarmore?

cruiserweight

mise_me_fein wrote:

Did Waterford beat Wexford in the League this year?

Just wondering....Oh I can't wait for Sunday. You strawberries are gonna be hammered score wise that is....not like Laois 1991....remember that Smarmore?

Yes they did, Wexfords only defeat in the league. We can go back and forth with this Louth beat x and Wexford beat y as much as you want but it won't get us anywhere. The only game that might be slightly relevant is when they last played each other in 2004 and Wexford won 2-10 to 0-8, if you want to go back that far. The only game that matters is the one this Sunday when hopefully Wexford will win

mise_me_fein

Ok so the only game that is relevant is the game this week, but you still mention a game from 2004............LOL I love it.

My final post on this thread score prediction Louth 2-15 - 0-8 Wexford

cruiserweight

mise_me_fein wrote:

Ok so the only game that is relevant is the game this week, but you still mention a game from 2004............LOL I love it.

My point was that you can cite as many games as you want but that they won't have any reflection on this Sunday. But if you wanted to cite games then this is the last meeting between the two teams.

mise_me_fein wrote:

score prediction Louth 2-15 - 0-8 Wexford

I am sure there are plenty of bookies that will be more than happy to take that

mise_me_fein wrote:

My final post on this thread

Good maybe there will be a better discussion than "we are going to beat the strawberries, blah, blah, blah"

Smarmore

mise_me_fein wrote:

Ok so the only game that is relevant is the game this week, but you still mention a game from 2004............LOL I love it.

My final post on this thread score prediction Louth 2-15 - 0-8 Wexford

OMG you're even more of a blind optimist than I am!! I put a €20 bet on with my mate before the first Wicklow game we would beat them by more than 6 points. Sickened!!!

My prediction would be Louth 2-10 Wexford 1-11

cruiserweight

Wexford have named their team for the game on Sunday. Morrissey and Lyng are making their championship debuts, Banville is out injured and Forde is 100% fit apparently.

Cooper, Morris, Wallace, Malone, Morrissey, D Murphy, N Murphy, Stafford, Bradley, Deeley, Barry, Flynn, Lyng, Colfer, Forde

blackbelt

My prediction scoreline

Wexford 1-13 Louth 14

Smarmore

blackbelt wrote:

My prediction scoreline

Wexford 1-13 Louth 14

If you knew anything about Louth football blackbelt you wouldn't predict Louth not to get a goal. In their last 6 Championship outings they've scored 7 goals. The only team they haven't scored a goal against is Meath, which was an uncharacteristic game in many ways. They have also scored 8 goals in their 7 outings in League 1 this season. The only teams they didn't score goals against were Armagh and Galway, 2 stiff defences. If I was to put a safe bet on this game it would be that Louth will get a goal. Also Louth have racked up a score total of 100 in Division 1B, joint top with Derry. Wexford in comparison have a score total of 103 in Division 2B. I think those statistics back up my conviction that Louth are a much more potent force in attack than Wexford.

ergo

cruiserweight wrote:

Wicklow are a division 4 team, if I was from Louth I would be more worries about the performance in the other two games and the first half against Wicklow in the 3rd game.

as Smarmore mentioned later on in the thread he wouldn't belittle Wicklow like some people ^ on this thread

Wicklow will be in Division 4 next year but are coming out of Division 2B and finished 5th behind Cavan, Meath, Wexford and Sligo only losing to Meath by a goal (a much lauded Meath side in the past few weeks) and hitting the post in the last minute of that game.

You're right, the O' Byrne cup 0-7 to 0-5 win counts for little at this stage but the NFL game between WW and WX was poor from both sides and WX will have to be on much better form to give Louth a game. They are seriously disadvantaged by Louth's 3 championship game start on them, the 1st replay with Wicklow in particular was a real battle and will really stand to Louth, as will that 2nd half performance in Croker

being from south Wicklow I would normally be hoping for a Wexford win but this time I hope Louth go on a good run

cruiserweight

ergo wrote:

as Smarmore mentioned later on in the thread he wouldn't belittle Wicklow like some people ^ on this thread

Of course he wouldn't belittle Wicklow, why would he, he wants to build up Louths victory over them. I am not trying to belittle Wicklow either, but the facts are that they will be a division 4 team next year. They are improving but still have a lot of improving to do.

Smarmore

cruiserweight wrote:

Of course he wouldn't belittle Wicklow, why would he, he wants to build up Louths victory over them. I am not trying to belittle Wicklow either, but the facts are that they will be a division 4 team next year. They are improving but still have a lot of improving to do.

Well they only finished 2 places below you guys in the League this year and remember cruiserweight, had the format of the leagues not been adjusted this year Wexford would still be in the bottom division next year along with Wicklow. Louth on the other hand won that division and league the year before and had a good run in the league this year. As I said before Louths placing in Division 1B does not reflect the level of performance.

cruiserweight

A bit of a boost for football in Wexford in general, for the build up to the game on Sunday. Foran had previously been on the senior team. Also the junior and senior squads have the same management team afaik

Hogan Stand wrote:

Wexford ended Meath’s two-year reign as Leinster junior football champions when they recorded a 2-14 to 2-9 extra-time victory in Wednesday night’s semi-final at Pairc Tailteann.

Meath looked set for victory when TJ Garry slotted home a penalty in the dying minutes of normal time, but there was still enough time for Paddy Sinnott to reply with a pointed free which left the sides level on 2-7 to 1-10.

Despite having their top scorer Darren Foran sent off, Wexford’s superior fitness stood them in good stead in extra-time and they sealed their place in the final with a late goal from Paddy Byrne.

Scorers – Wexford: D Foran 1-3, P Sinnott 0-5, P Byrne 1-1, D Farrell 0-3, J Mernagh and P Atkinson 0-1 each. Meath: JL Magee 0-4, B Meade and TJ Garry 1-0 each, M Burke, J Quinney, JB O’Reilly, P Clinton and C O’Connor 0-1 each.

blackbelt

Smarmore,

Not trying to be smart or obnoxious or the like but what I know about Louth football is completely irrelevant to what might happen on Sunday as far as the score is concerned.You can throw trends out the window come Sunday because it doesn't always come through,especially in the championship against a bigger team.A team may go a series of matches scoring goals left,right and centre and then have a barren goal spell for one or two matches.

However,if you feel strongly about Louths goal tally which I admit is quite impressive to say the least and if Louth score a few goals,I'll predict the score as....

Wexford 1-10 Louth 2-5.I think Wexford will win with a point or two separating the teams.

Smarmore

blackbelt wrote:

Not trying to be smart or obnoxious or the like but what I know about Louth football is completely irrelevant to what might happen on Sunday as far as the score is concerned.

Try a bit harder!! If you don't know anything about Louth football stop posting rambling nonsense on this thread.

blackbelt wrote:

especially in the championship against a bigger team.

That's just so retarded it barely deserves a comment.

blackbelt wrote:

Wexford 1-10 Louth 2-5.I think Wexford will win with a point or two separating the teams.

OMG!! For a start you've suddenly lowered Wexfords tally from 1-13 to 1-10. Why so? Did something convince you that Louths defence has improved since yesterday? Or Wexfords forwards have suddenly got worse over night?? Then you knock Louths score from 14 scores to 7!! I'll refrain from personal insults although they are very much deserved. I will be very surprised if Louth only return a tally of 7 scores. I would be surprised if either team has less than 10 scores. It should be a free-flowing, entertaining, high-scoring contest because both teams approach the game in a very positive way. Why don't you just stick to the Dublin thread blackbelt, it seems to be the only team you know anything about.

Smarmore

ergo wrote:

as Smarmore mentioned later on in the thread he wouldn't belittle Wicklow like some people ^ on this thread

Wicklow will be in Division 4 next year but are coming out of Division 2B and finished 5th behind Cavan, Meath, Wexford and Sligo only losing to Meath by a goal (a much lauded Meath side in the past few weeks) and hitting the post in the last minute of that game.

You're right, the O' Byrne cup 0-7 to 0-5 win counts for little at this stage but the NFL game between WW and WX was poor from both sides and WX will have to be on much better form to give Louth a game. They are seriously disadvantaged by Louth's 3 championship game start on them, the 1st replay with Wicklow in particular was a real battle and will really stand to Louth, as will that 2nd half performance in Croker

being from south Wicklow I would normally be hoping for a Wexford win but this time I hope Louth go on a good run

Thanks Ergo!! To be fair I thought Wicklow were excellent in the first 2 and a half games. They have 3 top class players in Glynn, Dalton and Gill. Walsh also was immense in the midfield and is a great addition to the team. Hopefully you'll have a good run in the Tommy Murphy Cup and the League next year and prove what ye're capable of. Btw ended up going on the lash with a group of Wicklow fans in the Big Tree after the first game. Was great craic and it would be difficult to imagine the same kind of atmosphere with fans of some other counties!!

blackbelt

Ha ha...awwh you are so going out of the Leinster Championship on Sunday.:D

Maybe if you read my post you will actually understand that "knowledge" of Louth football is completely irrelevant you fool.Trends and form does not equate into every match.Louth might not even score one goal.I think you are just being petty because I have a valid opinion that Wexford will win and just because you think it will be a high scoring match does not make it so.As far as I'm concerned,anything can happen and yes Louth may get 7 scores.I think you've completely gotten out of your depth overhyping Louth and talking about Laois before you play Wexford,you fail to realise that Louth are not that good.Come on,it took you three attempts to put Wicklow away,I'd be very concerned about Wexford if I was a Louth supporter.Its a bit early to start being so over-confident.

As far as the personal insults go,I'm more than happy to read them and laugh my socks off.You are hoping that I'll retaliate so you can go crying to Kaimera in the hope I'd be banned just because I have the opinion your precious little Louth may lose.My valid opinion is too much for you because its more in touch with reality unlike yourself who thinks Laois will be beaten by Louth before you even meet Wexford.

Grow up and stop flaming.

Smarmore

blackbelt wrote:

Ha ha...awwh you are so going out of the Leinster Championship on Sunday.:D

Maybe if you read my post you will actually understand that "knowledge" of Louth football is completely irrelevant you fool.Trends and form does not equate into every match.Louth might not even score one goal.I think you are just being petty because I have a valid opinion that Wexford will win and just because you think it will be a high scoring match does not make it so.As far as I'm concerned,anything can happen and yes Louth may get 7 scores.I think you've completely gotten out of your depth overhyping Louth and talking about Laois before you play Wexford,you fail to realise that Louth are not that good.Come on,it took you three attempts to put Wicklow away,I'd be very concerned about Wexford if I was a Louth supporter.Its a bit early to start being so over-confident.

As far as the personal insults go,I'm more than happy to read them and laugh my socks off.You are hoping that I'll retaliate so you can go crying to Kaimera in the hope I'd be banned just because I have the opinion your precious little Louth may lose.My valid opinion is too much for you because its more in touch with reality unlike yourself who thinks Laois will be beaten by Louth before you even meet Wexford.

Grow up and stop flaming.

What are you raving on about? Go out and get some fresh air before you start hyperventilating. Btw you don't have a valid opinion, you haven't mentioned one player on either side throughout this post other than Mattie Forde. You claim knowledge of Louth football is irrelevent to this argument??? We're discussing Louth and Wexford blackbelt....

And don't start calling me a fool, particularly after that post. Silly little boy.

cruiserweight

I was just sent the line up from the junior game last night. There were a couple of guys on the Wexford team who had been playing for Wexford in the league, it seems that perhaps the management was using the game to keep them fit or maybe test their fitness, in particular I am thinking of Sunderland who played most of the league games. Maybe some of those guys will be involved later in the championship or indeed off of the bench on Sunday.

Smarmore

cruiserweight wrote:

I was just sent the line up from the junior game last night. There were a couple of guys on the Wexford team who had been playing for Wexford in the league, it seems that perhaps the management was using the game to keep them fit or maybe test their fitness, in particular I am thinking of Sunderland who played most of the league games. Maybe some of those guys will be involved later in the championship or indeed off of the bench on Sunday.

Could be a good tactic because a lot of the players are bound to be lacking in match fitness. Good to see you guys wrestling that title off Meath. Hate to see them winning anything!!

Smarmore

Preview from the Hogan Stand:


Bank of Ireland Leinster SFC
Louth v. Wexford (Croke Park)
It took Louth three games to finally find their true form and when they finally did, the Wee County are an impressive side to watch. The return of Martin Farrelly at midfield played a huge part in their comfortable win over Wicklow, while the performance of midfield partner Paddy Keenan was also inspiring. Wexford manager Paul Bealin is not impressed with the lack of action his side has suffered and this may have a huge bearing on the outcome of this match. Louth have an abundance of talent up front, as Mark Stanfield, JP Rooney and Shane Lennon will cause problems for any defence in the country, while Wexford’s reliance on Mattie Forde is well documented, while the expected loss of PJ Banville is also a huge blow to the Model County. Three tough games against Wicklow will have brought Louth on leaps and bounds, while Wexford enter the match cold. Eamon McEneaney’s troops are tipped to march on to the semi final.
Verdict: Louth


Pretty much sums up what I've been saying. I think with the balance back in midfield and superior firepower Louth will indeed march on.

blackbelt

Smarmore,I don't suppose you actually grasp what I've been saying in my posts.Past form and trends mean nothing going into this match.What part of that do you not understand?
Just because Louth have scored many goals thus far does not mean they will this Sunday.You have this idealistic view that they will but just because I point out that they MAY not,you get your knickers in a twist.You seem to think that I know nothing about Louth football for the simple fact that at first I stated a scoreline where Louth didn't score a goal.Then when I claimed that knowledge of Louth football (trends and form) is irrelevent,you claim that I do not know what I'm talking about.

The fact is,you're talking up Louth-Laois on the other thread and overlooking Wexford.Thats very short-sighted.I think you should be very weary of Wexford.A lot of people are speculating that Louths three outings is something that Wexford will be worried about and rightfully so but Louth fans and the media fail to realise that Paul Bealin and Wexford will have studied Louth and what their strengths and weaknesses are.ie JP Rooney most noticeably.

Furthermore,when I gave Louth two goals in the scoreline,I purposely reduced the amount of points scored to see your reaction and well,the results speak for themself.

Also,it may be a low scoring match,this is GAA and you never know what kind of match you will get.

How is my point not valid either?I do not need to name players on each side just for your liking or to appease you.I know and a lot of board members here know that I have some knowledge on nearly every team in the country.I've been at two Wicklow-Louth matches in Croke Park and managed to see some of the second match in Parnell Park from Clontarf Golf Club.So before you accuse me of having little or no knowledge about the two teams,take your head out of your WEE @$$.

Also,you pointed out earlier on the Hill thread,I do not know what you look like.Well I'm not silly and I'm not little either.I'm 6'3 and weigh 13 stone.I have a great leaving cert,college qualifications and work for a top company in Ireland a lot of people would kill to work for.

As far as your having a pop at me goes,I just laugh off your "insults".As far as the hyperventilating goes,don't flatter yourself,you are not that funny.I'm not rising to your bait like I did in the Hill thread.From your posts that you've made,you've done nothing but try to get a rise out of people or take cheap shots.

redzerdrog

not as confident as some of the lads here but think louth will scrape a victory as they will defo be a lot sharper than wexford.

The key to louths win will have to be putting jamie carr on mattie forde if this happens louth will win if it doesnt then i fear what mattie could do to page.

Smarmore

blackbelt wrote:

I'm 6'3 and weigh 13 stone.I have a great leaving cert,college qualifications and work for a top company in Ireland a lot of people would kill to work for.

Hard to believe you followed up telling me to take my head out of my "WEE @$$" with that. I'm tired of you waffling and rambling on like a deranged lunatic blackbelt so I'm just going to ignore everything you say from now on. Please do vice-versa. Btw says a lot for this "top company in Ireland" when you spend 90% of your day posting meandering, tedious little GAA articles on this site.

mise_me_fein

Anyone know where John O'Brien will be playing this week. I don't know if many teams outside Louth know about him but he's some player. I think he was in corner back when he ran the whole length of the pitch in Navan last year and scored a great point.

The point I'm making here is that Louth may not only be attacking in the forwards but also from defence and sure look at Paddy Keenan in midfield. If he hit the form he did in the second half Vs Wicklow then it's goodbye to Wexford.

Mattie Who?

cruiserweight

http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/2007/0615/louth.html?gaa

Sunday's curtain-raiser at Croke Park, throw-in 2.20pm, sees Wexford engage in their first meaningful game of the summer, while Louth dust themselves down for their fourth battle in recent weeks.

The Wee County took three efforts to finally get the better of Wicklow. However, Eamon McEneaney's charges showed improvement with every game, and eventually thumped Mick O'Dwyer's men 2-18 to 0-11.

If they are to build on that success, they will need the likes of Mark Stanfield, Aaron Hoey, John O'Brien and JP Rooney to reproduce the second-half display that saw them dispose of Wicklow in such a ruthless, albeit belated, manner.

Wexford's fortunes, almost inevitably, are tied in to those of their one household name, Mattie Forde.

The Yellowbellies' talisman was roundly criticised for his stamp on Offaly's Shane Sullivan in last year's Championship, but Sunday offers the International Rules star the chance to bury some of those memories.

Paul Bealin will have to do without dual star PJ Banville, but if he can get Forde in the right frame of mind, the Model County manager can then set his sights on upsetting Laois in the semi-final.

Louth can look back with pride on their second-half performance against the Garden County the last day, but they might not have enough in the tank to advance to the provincial semi-finals.

Verdict: Wexford