SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Sligo Rovers
Saturday, May 11, 2019
Kick Off: 7pm
Referee: Anthony Buttimer
It’s a return to the RSC this Saturday night for Waterford FC as Sligo Rovers visit in the SSE Airtricity League Premier Division.
Last weekend saw The Blues pick up an excellent three points with a 3-0 win away to St Pats in Richmond Park.
Alan Reynolds’ side had lost just once in five games previous and goals from Izzy Akinade, Zack Elbouzedi and Aaron Drinan secured a fully-deserved, convincing win against Harry Kenny’s team.
Waterford FC and visitors Sligo Rovers drew 0-0 in The Showgrounds just weeks ago in their first meeting of the season.
The sides met five times during the 2018 season in the league and EA SPORTS Cup. The Blues won the opening match in Sligo before drawing in the RSC. Sligo won the EA SPORTS Cup tie before the Blues picked up a 3-2 win away from home. A single Sander Puri goal secured all three points in the final game between the sides in the RSC.
Sligo are level with the Blues in the Premier Division table with 19 points so far.
Managers View: Speaking ahead of Saturday’s clash with Sligo Rovers, manager Alan Reynolds said:
“Coming into this game, we knew we needed a good result last Friday in Richmond Park. St Pats have invested heavily but we deserved the points.
“Our counter-attacking play was superb with the pace of the likes of Zack, Aaron and Cory. When you have quality players to bring into a game at 0-0, then you always have a chance and that’s what we did. We showed we can attack and showed we can score goals and I’m delighted for Izzy, Aaron and Zack getting on the scoresheet again.
“We played out a closely-fought game in The Showgrounds [against Sligo Rovers] already this season so we know this will be a close match again. Both sides had good chances to win it but we were happy to get a point on a Monday night in Sligo. We had a good record against Sligo in the league last season so we’ll be hoping to continue that.”
Team News: Alan Reynolds continues to plan without the trio of Kenny Browne, Kevin Lynch and Dean Walsh. Zack Elbouzedi is a doubt but is expected to be fit in time for the game.
