MATCH PREVIEW: St Patrick’s Athletic -v- Waterford FC (13/08/2021)
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
St Patrick’s Athletic -v- Waterford FC
Friday, 13th August 2021
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Referee: John McLoughlin
Waterford FC will look to keep up recent good form with a trip to face St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday night.
The Blues come into this weekend’s game after an excellent 1-0 win over Bohemians last Saturday afternoon. A first-half Phoenix Patterson goal was enough to see the Blues extend their unbeaten run to 5 games.
Friday’s opponents come into the game having beaten Dundalk last weekend 4-1 as the Inchicore club attempt to maintain pressure on league leaders Shamrock Rovers.
The sides last met in competitive action back in June when they shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the RSC. St. Pats ran out 1-0 winners in Richmond Park when the sides last met in Dublin. The Blues have enjoyed some success over the South Dublin club, winning 7 of their last 13 meetings, with the Blues last win in Richmond Park coming on the opening day of the 2020 season.
Manager’s View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against St. Patrick’s Athletic, manager Marc Bircham said:
“I was thrilled with the win last week [against Bohemians]. Bohs are a top side and we thoroughly deserved the win. I was delighted for the boys because they’re working so hard and they’re getting their rewards.
“Friday will bring another challenge to us but it’s one we’re relishing. St Pats are in excellent form too so it should be another good game after their win over Dundalk last weekend.
“Our form is good and we’ve been playing well so we’re going to play our game as we do and look to win. We’ve got players back from injury and the newer players have settled in so we’re looking forward to the game.”
Team News: Anthony Wordsworth is suspended but Matthew Connor has returned to training after his recent injury. Daryl Murphy and Oscar Brennan miss out.
(Image Credit: Maurice Hennebry)