SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Derry City
Friday, March 6th, 2020
Kick-Off: 7.45 pm
Referee: Sean Grant
Waterford FC returns to action after an unexpected break with the visit of Derry City to the RSC this Friday evening.
The Blues’ scheduled clash away to Sligo Rovers last Saturday was postponed due to the incoming storm so the squad were left with no game and a chance to start preparing for the visit of Derry this weekend.
Back-to-back defeats against Bohemians and Shamrock Rovers mean the Blues opening day win over St Pats is somewhat a memory, but Alan Reynolds’ side will be ready for their return to action and eager to get on the pitch again.
Despite defeat against Shamrock Rovers, where the Blues conceded twice early and were reduced to 10 men after 17 minutes, they defended well with the help of keeper Brian Murphy to ensure a battling second half remained scoreless.
The sides were no strangers to each other last season with Derry having the upper hand, with the Candystripes edging the Blues in the EA Sports Cup semi-final in the Brandywell to go with their league meetings.
Managers View: Speaking ahead of Friday match against Derry City, manager Alan Reynolds said:
“Obviously we were disappointed to see our game last weekend cancelled but it is what it is. After a disappointing result against Shamrock Rovers the week before, the boys were all looking forward to getting going again and bringing that winning feeling back into the dressing room.
“With that said, we’ve just focused on this Friday after that cancellation and we’ve had a good week on the training pitch. We’re very much still a work in progress so some patience is needed, but we can see the progress that we can hopefully bring to the pitch on Friday night.
“Declan will have his side set up really well coming down. They had a good win last Friday night up in The Brandywell against Bohemians and scored two well-worked goals in a big win for them. It’ll have them on a wave of confidence but it’s been a fairly even contest between both clubs since we came back up so we’ll be well up for it.”
Team News: Andre Burley is suspended after his sending off against Shamrock Rovers.
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. Post-match interviews will take place in the hospitality area in the Old Stand.
