Waterford FC will look to extend their lead at the top of the First Division table this Saturday with a trip to face Longford Town in the City Calling stadium.
The Blues returned to winning ways last weekend coming from behind to beat Wexford FC at the RSC. Goals from David McDaid and Mark O’Sullivan saw the Blues win 2-1 and move six points clear at the top of the table.
And with second-placed UCD playing third-placed Cobh Ramblers this weekend, the Blues have a chance to extend their lead.
So far this season, the teams have faced each other twice in the league; a scoreless draw in the City Calling stadium and a 1-0 win for the Blues in the RSC in May.
Blues midfielder Shane O’Connor knows how important last week’s win was: “I think that we were in control of the game but they caught us on the break before half time which is a little disappointing from our perspective. I thought that it was a goal of our own making for them but we showed character to comeback.
“It was the one second half from us that was very, very good. We got the goal from the penalty early in the half that really settled us down. John Martin done well to win it and Davy McDaid was ice cool in the finish.
“I feel that in all honesty we could have scored six or seven goals but on the flip side, we were nearly caught at the end because Wexford did have a chance but we stood firm and it’s a massive three points for us.”
O’Connor is looking forward to the game: “The game against Longford will be tough and we could have won the last time we were up there as we missed a penalty and also had a player sent off which wasn’t ideal.
“Longford have got a new lease of life lately and have picked up a few points but hopefully we can bring our second half performance to the table next week and win another three points to help us get where we want to be.”
Team News: Ian McLoughlin and Dean O’Halloran returned to the matchday squad last weekend, with O’Halloran making an appearance from the bench, following injuries. Sander Puri continues his recovery from an ankle injury. The Blues have also added midfielder Paul Keegan to the squad and he will be included in the squad this weekend subject to International Clearance. Winger Kenny McEvoy has left the club by mutual consent.
