MATCH PREVIEW: Dundalk FC-v- Waterford FC (29/10/2021)
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Dundalk -v- Waterford FC
Friday, 29th October 2021
Kick-Off: 7.45pm
Referee: John McLoughlin
Waterford FC are on the road again this Friday for the third time in a week as Marc Bircham’s side travel to Oriel Park to take on Dundalk.
The Blues come into the game after a 2-1 win over Bohemians last Monday night in Dalymount Park. Second half goals from John Martin and Anthony Wordsworth saw the Blues take a vital three points to lift themselves out of the relegation play-off position.
Dundalk come into Friday night’s game having slipped to a 1-0 defeat against St. Patricks Athletic in Inchicore. A first half goal from Billy King was enough for the Saints to take the points.
The sides last met back in September in the RSC when an Anthony Wordsworth goal in the second half earned the Blues a point after Sean Murray had given the visitors an early lead. The Blues last visit to Oriel Park saw Bircham’s side take all three points after an impressive 3-1 win.
The Blues currently sit one point clear of the play-off position and level on points with Dundalk in 7th place.
Manager’s View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Dundalk, manager Marc Bircham said:
“We were delighted with the win on Monday. It was probably the most proud I’ve been so far with the team and the performance, and we thoroughly deserved the win.
“Having lost the previous Friday, the lads were determined to get the win and it was another important three points to lift us out of the relegation zone.
“But we’re not done yet. We still have a long way to go and we have five big games to come. Dundalk this Friday is another game for us and we’re approaching it the same as we always do.
“It’s a busy period for us with two games next week again but the lads are giving everything to the team and club with injuries and knocks and that shows what this club and fans mean to them.”
Team News: Matthew Connor and Prince Mutswunguma are expected to miss out while Eddie Nolan is a doubt after injury against Bohemians on Monday. Brian Murphy is suspended.
