By @CraigOSul1
Waterford welcome Longford to the RSC tonight. Which will be the second meeting between the sides this year with the first meeting ending a scoreless draw.
Off the field Waterford continue to make great strides this year having this week announced a new partnership with local college, Waterford Institute of Technology. Director of Football Pat Felon announced this week that Waterford have agreed a two-year deal with the W.I.T college in Waterford. The deal consists of all Waterford FC teams using the state of the art facility throughout the coming years.
On the field Waterford continued their great run of form coming away from Ferrycarrig with all three points in the last league outing. Waterford are now unbeaten in 11 league games following the 1-0 win over Wexford. The game may not have been what was expected from the big travelling support but Derek Daly’s goal ensured the Waterford fans went home the happier of the two sets of supports. The game consisted of few chances but both sides had a disallowed goal. A negative for Waterford is that another two players are added to ever growing injury list. Club captain David Mulcahy is expected to miss the game and star man Mark O’Sullivan is also rated 50/50 having suffered a knock in the league outing in Wexford. In recent weeks Waterford did receive some good news as head coach Alan Reynolds is back in the dugout.
Longford go into the game off the back of another loss. At one stage Longford were the bookmakers favourites for first division title but they are yet to live up to those expectations. On paper Longford’s squad is up there as one of the best in the division, but Alan Matthews side have been hugely disappointing this season, to the extent just over 200 fans showed up for their most recent home game. Longford now find themselves over ten points behind table-toppers Waterford. Longford’s promotion hopes look to be over for this year.
Waterford see this as a massive game and have been promoting the game hugely throughout the week. Waterford are hopeful the largest attendance of the season to date will be at the RSC Friday to cheer on the injury hit side.
Going into the season everyone would have looked to this game as a huge top of the table clash, but following Longford’s results in the opening 12 games it is far from that. Although the result will certainly play a big part in the promotion race. This is certainly shaping up to be Waterford’s biggest game in recent times and a big crowd is expected at the RSC.
Last Five Competitive Meetings
Longford Town 0-0 Waterford FC
Waterford FC 0-2 Longford Town (FAI Cup)
Waterford FC 2-1 Longford Town
Waterford FC 0-2 Longford Town
Longford Town 3-1 Waterford FC
Waterford FC
Recent Fixtures
Wexford 0-1 Waterford FC
Waterford FC 1-0 Shelbourne
Dundalk 3-0 Waterford FC (EA Sports Cup)
Waterford FC 1-1 UCD
Cabinteely 0-0 Waterford FC
Top Scorers
Mark O Sullivan – 5 goals
David McDaid – 4 goals
Patrick McClean – 2 goals
Key Players
David McDaid – The Derry native will be relied on hugely in this meeting. As strike partner Mark O’Sullivan is set the miss the game McDaid could be the most senior player in the team. McDaid is also Waterford’s top scorer in all competitions. Waterford will be hoping the Derryman will be in top form for this fixture.
Patrick McClean – McClean has become a fan favourite among the Blues faithful having arrived from Derry in the off-season. A big game will be expected from a player who plays with a lot of passion, Patrick is expected to lead the line for this meeting. McClean has been a hugely influential player in Waterford’s good form of late especially in the absence of defensive partner Kenny Browne.
Longford Town
Recent Fixtures
Longford Town 0-1 UCD
Cabinteely 0-0 Longford Town
Shamrock Rovers 1-0 Longford Town (EA Sports)
Longford Town 3-1 Athlone
Cobh Ramblers 2-0 Longford Town
Top Scorers
Evan Curran – 5 goals
David O’Sullivan – 3 goals
Cody Mulhall & Kevin O’Connor – 1 goal
Key Players
David O’Sullivan – O’Sullivan has become a legend at the City Calling Stadium for his goal scoring ability among Longford fans. O’Sullivan is Longford’s key main in front of goal, “Sully” scored a hat-trick against fellow midland rivals Athlone Town this season on two occasions, once in the league, and the cup. O’Sullivan played a pivotal part in Longford’s first division winning side a couple of years ago. Longford will be hoping can lead them back into the promotion race.
Kevin O’Connor – The Former Bray Wanderers man brings a lot of experience to the side. O’Connor was also part of the Longford promotion side a couple of years ago. The experienced league of Ireland man is a key man in the Longford midfield. Longford will be hoping his experience shines when they travel to Waterford in hope of getting their season back on track.
Waterford FC
Injured: Ian McLoughlin, Kenny Browne, Sander Puri and Dean O’Halloran
Doubtful: David Mulcahy and Mark O’Sullivan
Suspended: Garry Comerford
Longford Town
Injured: none
Doubtful: Enda Curran
Suspended: None
Match Officials
Referee: John McLoughlin
Assistants: Alan Dunne & Shane O’Brien
Fourth Official: Eoghan O’Shea
Match Prediction
Waterford FC 2-1 Longford FC