Wexford (A)

[culloty82]

A game that suddenly becomes pivotal merely in order to stand still, with Longford drawing level with us on Monday, and Harps just two points behind, so taking at least a point away from Ferrycarrig is critical in terms of seasonal momentum. That said, Wexford's form has taken somewhat of a nosedive in recent weeks, with 6 points secured from their last nine matches, even if one must make allowances for a spate of injuries in their squad (not dissimilar to Harps, oddly enough). Even so, Mikey Rowe continues to be a consistent performer, and their displays against both Dundalk and Bray show the potential within the club. As for ourselves, it seems there are no fresh injury concerns, but Nathan Gleeson is someway off a return, which highlights that midfield remains an area that could do with reinforcement in the forthcoming window. Still, three points and sixth place are very much up for grabs on Friday if we see the same intensity and unity of purpose as evidenced in recent games.

[legendz]

Wexford away will be tough. Our composure on the ball is a bit off at the moment. Gone back to some of long balls stuff again. Hopefully can have a positive transfer window to bring in the reinforcements needed to push for the playoffs.

[legendz]

Started well, lost control and finished the first half strong. They must have thought it was job done at half time. Terrible second half from Kerry. Lost complete control. All the decent composure after Healy arrived seems to have evaporated.

[Zico]

Lost all shape and completely leaderless in the 2nd half. We looked like we were playing a 5-2-3 against 10 men trying to protect the lead. Shocking all round.

That’s probably a season ending defeat as far as the playoffs are concerned, hard to see any bounce back after that especially with Dundalk next week.

Club will need to decide what to do in transfer window - preserve the budget for next season or go with an overhaul (Healy may already have negotiated this in).

[outspoken]

Is that the first ever Kerry FC hat trick or did Kelliher get one?

[listowelceltic]

Kelliher got one in a 3 3 draw with Bray last summer.
Dreadful result. We seem to be reverting to route one stuff again. Definitely doesn't suit the players we have.
Our defence can't handle any pressure either. Don't know if any solutions in current squad. Brookwell in defence, Alabi up front and Dunne and Teahan left back are some examples of players being moved around to cover players not good enough or out of form.

[Zico]

O’Connell has got a bit of form back to be fair and done reasonably well at left wing back in recent weeks. McQueen has struggled a lot in recent weeks and his distribution is shocking at times (he was very good to be fair up to 4-5 weeks ago).

With a back 3 I’m not sure who the leader is back there - it has to be either Brookwell or McQueen. The 3 second half goals were shockers and all easily avoidable - wall collapses for the 1st, player left unmarked at back post from a set piece (2nd time it happened, offside flag saved us the 1st time) and 3 players within 2 yards looking at Rowe take shot from 20 yards out, Just not good enough.

The bench is now looking very light - a lot of players there are just not good enough at this level in reality. I suspect Dunne and Alabi will move on quickly, Adams out injured (apparently), but would not be surprised if he left too. Healy will probably replace with 4/5 new faces - it will be interesting to see the quality of player he brings in.

[legendz]

Leaderless on the park. Surrendered 9th place last year. Surrendered a solid half time lead against Wexford last night. A sustained push for the playoffs is beyond this group. It'll take an infusion of experience to push on.