SUNDAY IS LEINSTER Senior Championship Football Final Day, with Dublin taking on Wexford in Croke Park. The Slaney Siders will be hoping for their first Leinster Final win in 66 years.
Dublin are raging hot favourites going into the match, aiming for their sixth title in seven years. The Dubs have arguably come from the tougher side of the draw, first beating Laois before narrowly defeating Kildare in dramatic circumstances at the semi-final stage.
Wexford on the other hand easily overcame Offaly, Westmeath and Carlow on their path to Croke Park. With all the pre-match hype being focused on Dublin, few are giving Wexford any chance of lifting the Delaney Cup for the first time since 1945. The Bookmakers have installed Dublin as firm favourites with odds of 1-6. So is it a case of Dublin needing to turn up to take the honours or can Wexford realistically hope to spring a surprise?
We look at three factors that will determine if Wexford can take the cup back to the Sunny South Eat
1. Neutralise Dublin Goal Threat
Stats generally speak for themselves. With 20 goals in the last 10 games, between League and Championship, Dublin can be considered a serious threat in front of goal. Bernard Brogan and Diarmuid Connolly are hitting scoring highs this season so Wexford’s game plan will largely revolve around stopping these danger men. The initial way of curbing Dublin’s inside forward line is to enforce tight marking. Led by impressive full-back Graeme Molloy, Wexford are capable of this but that tactic can only work for so long.
Instead Wexford need to win this battle further out the field. Winning and holding on to primary possession in the Midfield area will be key to Wexford neutralising the Dublin goal threat. There is a potential weakness in the Dublin midfield with the loss of Michael Darragh McAuley to injury. His loss could unsettle this area and Wexford could use it to their advantage. Controlling possession will be vital to limit quick ball into the Dublin inside forward line. Wexford have gotten to this stage without conceding a goal and will need to try and maintain that record if they are to stand a chance on Sunday.
2. Convert Their Scoring Chances
Wexford’s forwards have been most impressive in this year’s Championship. Having scored an average of 20 points per game, the yellow bellies will be looking to their forwards to produce the goods yet again. However, the miserly Dublin defence offers a different challenge to the Wexford attacking threat. As a unit, Dublin have been very effective in limiting the scoring chances of their opposition. Wexford’s scoring chances will be curtailed but if they can create and convert scoring opportunities, then they will have a great chance of taking the spoils. Too many missed opportunities however could spell disaster for the Wexford men.
3. The Jason Ryan Factor
If Wexford do manage to win on Sunday, much credit will be given to their manager Jason Ryan. The Waterford man has led something of a renaissance down in Wexford since he took charge for the 2008 season. That year he led Wexford on a remarkable journey to the All Ireland Semi Final where they eventually lost out to Tyrone. However on the way they also suffered a humiliating defeat to Dublin in the Leinster Final. Ryan will be hoping for a better result this time. He is very much loved by the players who feed off his positivity, passion and professionalism. Ryan was a rookie manager in 2008, but 2011 brings a more experienced and determined coach eager to get revenge on Dublin and win some silverware. Wexford will be fired up and confident in their battle with Dublin on Sunday.
Whatever happens on Sunday, expect fireworks. Dublin won’t have an easy game, that’s for sure. If Wexford can manage to gain the upper-hand at midfield, limit Dublin’s goal scoring opportunities and convert their own scores, they stand a great chance. The form guide favours Dublin but an historic win for Wexford might not be inconceivable.