Preview: SHC qualifier: Waterford v Wexford

July 19, 2014

Wexford's Harry Kehoe with Michael 'Brick' Walsh of Waterford. INPHO
After the high of last weekend, Wexford must do it all again this evening when they square up to neighbours Waterford in round two of the hurling qualifiers.

Liam Dunne's side grabbed all the headlines when dumping All-Ireland champions Clare out of the running at home last Saturday evening after extra-time (2-25 to 2-22) but they face a quick turnaround to the Deise challenge.

"Unfortunately, it's the first round of the qualifiers and we've another game next week but, look it, it's great to still be in the championship," was Dunne's pragmatic view on last weekend's fantastic victory.

The Deise have been waiting in the long grass for this clash ever since they got the better of Laois by 10 points in the opening round.

Noel Connors returns to the starting 15 in place of Ryan Donnelly in the only change from the team that took on the O'Moore County.

Waterford's top scorer Pauric Mahony believes their opponents hold an advantage entering the do-or-die clash: "To be honest, Wexford are coming into the weekend with great momentum. I think they'll have a slight advantage.

"Beating the All-Ireland champions, they are going to be coming in full of confidence. We just have to make sure we're right for Saturday."

Mahony may have a point but, nonetheless, we tip the Deise to burst their neighbours' bubble.

Verdict - Waterford.

Waterford team: Stephen O'Keeffe; Shane Fives, Liam Lawlor, Noel Connors; Darragh Fives, Kevin Moran, Tadgh de Burca; Michael Walsh, Padraig Prendergast; Shane O'Sullivan, Pauric Mahony, Austin Gleeson; Colin Dunford, Shane Walsh, Jake Dillon.

Wexford team: Mark Fanning; Liam Ryan, Matthew O'Hanlon, Keith Rossiter; Andrew Shore, Eoin Moore, Ciaran Kenny; David Redmond, Lee Chin; Paul Morris, Podge Doran, Diarmuid O'Keeffe; Jack Guiney, Conor McDonald, Liam Og McGovern.

Match details: Saturday, Nowlan Park, 7pm, extra-time playable.

Referee: Colm Lyons (Cork).

Odds: Waterford 10/11, Draw 10/1, Wexford evens.

Most Read Stories