MATCH PREVIEW: Waterford FC -v- Shamrock Rovers (24/02/2020)
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Shamrock Rovers
Monday, February 24, 2020
Kick-Off: 7pm
Referee: Raymond Matthews
Waterford FC will be hoping to bounce back from defeat on Monday night when the Blue take on Shamrock Rovers in the RSC.
Two goals at the end of the first half from Danny Mandroiu and a Sam Bone own goal secured the points at a wet and windy RSC.
Michael Barker played the ball down the right for Kris Twardek who got past the challenge of Tyreke Wilson before crossing to the back post where the unfortunate Bone saw his header find his own net. Bohemians doubled their lead shortly after when, Mandroiu was bundled over in the area by Scott Allardice and he fired the resulting spot-kick past Murphy
Shamrock Rovers will make the trip to the Southeast riding high on the back of their 6-0 thumping of Cork City on Friday night in Tallaght. Five goals from Graham Burke sent the Tallaght side on their way to their second league win of the season.
The sides last met back in August in Tallaght Stadium. Dean O’Hallorans first-half goal proved only to be a conciliation, as Rover took all three points on a scoreline of 2-1.
Shamrock Rovers last visit to the RSC saw the Hoops come away with all three points. Goals from Jack Byrne, Aaron Greene and Thomas Oluwa saw Stephen Bradley’s men run out comfortable 5-1 winners.
The Blues have struggled in games against Rovers, only managing one win in the nine meetings since Waterford returned to the top flight.
Managers View: Speaking to WaterfordFC.ie ahead of Monday night’s match against Shamrock Rovers, manager Alan Reynolds said:
“I thought that we lacked that bit of quality at times during the game.I thought that it was easier for us to defend against the conditions in the first half if I’m honest and you could see that in the second half where it was easy for them [Bohemians] to defend.
“I would remind people though that we have a group of players that don’t even know each other, and they are still trying to get to know each other. It’s going to take time and people are going to be patient with that. At times we looked every bit what we are as a new team.
“We’ve a short turn around now until our next game on Monday against Shamrock Rovers. That can be a good thing when you come off a defeat, you just hit the reset button and go at it again.
“They’re a top side. There aren’t many teams who will go out and put six past Cork like they’ve done on Friday. It’ll be a big challenge for our boys. These are the games these lads wanted to be playing in. As a player, you want to play against the highest standard of player.”
Team News: Scott Allardice will miss out on Monday nights game due to a hip injury. Michael O’Connor will miss out due to illness while Dean Walsh continues to miss out with a hamstring injury.
ACCREDITATION: Media accreditation is mandatory at the RSC for members of the media wishing to attend the game and you are asked to notify the club by 12noon on matchday. Please email niall.lonergan@waterfordfc.ie identifying your media organisation, your match night role, and if a workspace is needed.
Please note that only FAI Media Pass holders will be permitted. For car park entry at the RSC, you are asked to arrive before 6.45 pm at which time the car park will be closed. The dressing room and tunnel areas of the RSC are strictly out of bounds and post-match interviews will take place in the hospitality area in the Old Stand.
