Wexford FC faces the long trip to Ballybofey on Friday (June 23), with James Keddy happy with his sides League position at the halfway point of the League of Ireland First Division.
The South East outfit sits sixth in the table and three points off fifth-placed Bray Wanderers.
Speaking with Shaun Connolly on SportsBeat Xtra, Keddy feels they have weathered the early storm.
"I think we are in the position we should be," he said.
"Early on in the season, we had a lot of injuries. We've been a little bit inconsistent, but in the last few weeks, we found a little bit of consistency.
"We had a tough game against Galway, but they've been there for four years, they're full-time and very physical - mentally strong.
"We're in touching distance of where we want to be at the end of the season."
⏭️Back in league action this Friday night!
📺Half season passes available at https://t.co/qH5RasFRi5! pic.twitter.com/LacEDmaCN0
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 20, 2023
Wexford are on the road for back-to-back League fixtures, with a trip to Longford Town following Friday's visit to Donegal.
With both sides placed lower than Keddy's outfit, an opportunity to distance themselves from the chasing back is present.
But the Dubliner prefers to focus on the task at hand.
He added: "I take each game as it comes. Finn Harps, they had a decent win against Longford last week. They're up and down, a little bit like ourselves. They have a new squad, but they're full-time as well.
"The last time we played, we should have beaten them easily. But we ended up getting beaten one nil at home, and we had a draw up in Finn Park.
"We know it is going to be a difficult game again, but we'll be going looking to win the game, and get the three points."
𝟏𝟗 𝐃𝐎𝐖𝐍
𝟏𝟕 𝐓𝐎 𝐆𝐎!The push for the playoffs begins again this Friday night away to Finn Harps! pic.twitter.com/WVyYrIGR2G
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 19, 2023
Competition for the playoff spots is heating up, with several teams vying for three positions below Waterford FC.
It makes for entertaining viewing for the neutral, with the League of Ireland ultimately benefitting every week.
Keddy remains confident that his side will achieve their pre-season goals.
"I said it at the start of the season, I'd be disappointed if we're not in the playoffs, and that's being completely honest," he said.
"I think we have enough in the squad to get there, but you need a little bit of luck along the way, so I'm hoping we don't have any injuries from now until the end of the season.
"I'm expecting a little bit of a higher level - especially from our experienced players like Ethan Boyle, Conor Levingston, Hugie Douglas and Aaron Dobbs.
📢An important message from our Head of Football, John Godkin! pic.twitter.com/y8vXu5SEUP
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 19, 2023
The draw for the FAI Cup has rewarded Wexford with a home tie against non-league Avondale United.
It presents an opportunity for the Ferrycarrig side to gather momentum toward a potential run in the famous Cup - something their manager relishes.
"I've been involved the last few years with different clubs, and we've always had a Premier team, so I'm delighted with the draw," he said.
"We'll do our homework on Avondale - they have a great record in the FAI Intermediate Cup.
"We will give them the respect they deserve and take that game on its merits.
"It's always nice for the club, and the fans of the club, to get a nice little run in the cup."
The second half of our season kicks off next Friday night! pic.twitter.com/bdrPvwCRab
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 17, 2023
Listen back to the full interview here.
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