AFC Wimbledon on Saturday face another club aiming to rise through adversity with Wexford FC having reformed just two years ago.
In a story that will resonate with Dons supporters, the Wexford Supporters Trust was formed in September 2017. Originally known as Wexford Youths, the club was forced to liquidate and Wexford FC was reformed.
Based at Ferrycarrig Park, on the outskirts of Wexford town, the supporters have retained the proud history of a club that produced former Republic of Ireland international Kevin Doyle. Last year Wexford set another footballer on the way to success with centre-back Ryan Delaney transferred to League One Burton Albion. However, after reforming the club, Wexford are keen to look forward and recapture the glory years of winning the League of Ireland First Division back in 2015. Since his appointment as manager at the start of 2019, Brian O'Sullivan has brought in a combination of talented new and old faces. Two of his most popular additions have been in attack with the signing of former Ipswich Town player Jack Doherty and the return of local hero Danny Furlong.
Having been a near-fixture in the Wexford Youths starting XI since 2008, Danny Furlong made a name for himself on a national level in the 2015 title-winning season. Furlong scored 30 goals in a 28-match season, setting a new record that has not been remotely threatened since. After relegation, Furlong departed to play in New Zealand for Southern United, but has returned to Wexford FC and scored 5 goals in 13 appearances so far this season.
New signing Jack Doherty has also been a major contributor to Wexford's goal tally. The attacking midfielder is best known for his stints with nearby Waterford United, and was signed by Mick McCarthy for Ipswich Town in 2013. Doherty has been a very successful addition to Wexford's squad this year, scoring 6 in 17 games and contributing many more assists.
The Dons headed to Wexford today for the match on Saturday (2.00 pm kick-off). If you missed our latest update from Wally Downes ahead of the trip, see our previous article.
Ticket prices for Saturday’s match are as follows:
Adult €10
Concession (OAP’s/Students) €6
Under 12’s €2
Venue:
Ferrycarrig Park is approximately 5km outside the town of Wexford, just off the Dublin Rd (N11), and there is plenty of car parking within the stadium confines. Wexford is easily accessible from Dublin down the N11 or is only 20 minutes by car away from the Rosslare Harbour ferry terminal. Rosslare is served by Stena Line (from Fishguard) or Irish Ferries (from Pembroke), both in South Wales. Visit the Wexford FC website for the exact location and directions.