MATCH PREVIEW: Waterford FC -v- Longford Town (01/04/2022)
SSE Airtricity First Division
Waterford FC -v- Longford Town
Friday, 1st April 2022
Kick-Off: 7:45 pm
Referee: Declan Toland
Waterford FC return to the RSC this weekend with Longford Town the visitors on Friday night.
Ian Morris’ side fell to a second consecutive defeat last weekend in a 2-1 loss against Treaty United. Goals in each half gave the Limerick side all three points despite late pressure from the Blues who halved the deficit through an Eddie Nolan goal on 77 minutes.
Longford come into the game after a 2-1 victory over Galway United. Goals from Sam Verdon and Darren Craven gave Longford all three points after Michael McDonnell had put the ball through his own net after 11 minutes.
The sides last met back in November 2021 in an end-of-season battle in Bishopsgate. After dominating the opening half, the Blues took the lead on 65 minutes through a well-struck Anthony Wordsworth goal. The Blues’ lead only lasted 10 minutes when a Dean Williams penalty leveled the game up after Eddie Nolan was adjudged to have taken down the striker.
With both sides scoring six goals in their last five games, it’s the Blues who take the advantage in the head-to-head, winning 13 of the last 28 meetings between these two sides.
The Blues currently sit in third place in the league; Longford currently sit three points behind the Blues in 4th.
Manager View: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Longford Town, manager Ian Morris said:
“Longford have won their last two games so we know we’re in for another tough game but we can’t wait.
“We were disappointed with the result last weekend in Limerick. We started well but again we didn’t defend how we needed to and we’re behind early. We know there’s a long way to go in the season and need to trust the process and keep pushing forward together.
“It’s brilliant to be back at the RSC and it’s a welcomed sight after a few weeks on the road. We’ve had some good results here already and we’re looking to maintain our home form.”
Team News: Kilian Cantwell continues his recovery from a pre-season injury. Tunmise Sobowale is suspended.
