SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
St. Patrick’s Athletic -v- Waterford FC
Friday, 14th February 2020
Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Sean Grant
Waterford FC will kick off the 2020 SSE Airtricity League Premier Division on Friday night when the Blues travel to Richmond Park to take on St. Patrick’s Athletic.
The sides last faced off at the end of last season when the Blues ran out comfortable winners over the South Dublin side.
Of the four encounters last season, the Blues ran won on three occasions, scoring seven goals. Alan Reynolds’ men were undefeated in Inchicore last season.
The Blues rounded out a successful pre-season campaign last Friday night as they faced Cobh Ramblers in Youghal. An Ali Coote goal in the first half gave the Blues a 1-0 lead at the interval before a late Cobh goal drew the game level to finish one goal apiece.
Managers View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against St. Patrick’s Athletic, manager Alan Reynolds said:
“We’re all looking forward to the season kicking off this weekend and the trip to Richmond Park on Friday night. The lads have put in a good pre-season, and they are raring to go.
“You can play all the pre-season games you like, but nothing compares to walking out on a Friday night and hearing the fans getting behind you. A lot of the squad played here before or played against us so they are more than aware of how vocal our fans can be.
“We brought in a lot of new faces this season, and I’m delighted with what I have been able to sign. The lads that are here now are hungry to prove themselves, which will hopefully translate to good results for us as a team.
“We enjoyed our time in Inchicore last season and it was nice to come away from both games up there undefeated. They look like a different side to what we faced last year and Stephen has brought in some great players. I’m sure they’ll be just as hungry as us to start the season with three points.”
Team News: Tyreke Wilson misses out on Friday night’s season opener due to an ankle injury, while Will Fitzgerald misses the game due to a groin injury.
