MATCH PREVIEW: Waterford FC -v- Shamrock Rovers (05/11/2021)
SSE Airtricity League Premier Division
Waterford FC -v- Shamrock Rovers
Friday, 5th November 2021
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Premier Division survival remains in the hands of Waterford FC as Shamrock Rovers come to visit the RSC this Friday (7.45pm KO).
The Blues come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw on Tuesday night at home to Derry City with another valuable point gained. The Blues took an early lead with a wonderful goal from Junior Quitirna, before the Candystripes equalised on the half-hour mark.
The Blues regained the lead once again nine minutes later through a well-worked set piece that eventually found the head of Greg Halford to score. But it wasn’t to be as Ruaidhrí Higgins’ side levelled the game deep in injury time after a scramble in the Blues six-yard box.
Friday’s visitors Shamrock Rovers come into the game after a 3-0 win at home to Finn Harps last week as they were crowned Premier Division champions.
The sides last met back in September when two second half goals from Danny Mandroiu saw the Blues leave Tallaght Stadium empty handed. The sides last clash in the RSC saw Shamrock Rovers take the points in a 4-1 win.
The Blues currently sit in 8th place in the league, a point ahead Finn Harps in the play-off place, but have another injury crisis ahead of the game.
Manager’s View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Shamrock Rovers, manager Marc Bircham said:
“It was heartbreaking to concede late [against Derry on Tuesday]. We had done so well to put ourselves in that position but we have to take the positives from it. We scored some good goals and it’s another point to keep us out of the playoff spot.
“We were disappointed with the goals we conceded but we have to look to Friday. We’ve had injuries and suspensions and our squad is really stretched and lads are playing through the pain but that’s what this club means to them.
“Friday will be a game where nobody expects us to win so there’s no fear there. We know no matter what happens the worst we can finish is 9th so we’re going to have a go at teams and look for points in the last three games.
“Tuesday was a strange kick off time so we’re hoping to see the RSC packed on Friday – the fans have been so good to us since they got back into matches so we know how important they’ll be again.”
Team News: Brian Murphy returns from suspension. Ronaldo Green, Junior Quitirna, Matthew Connor, Eddie Nolan and Greg Halford are doubtful while Prince Mutswunguma and Darragh Power miss out through injury.