SSE Airtricity First Division
Waterford FC -v- Galway United
Friday, 3rd March 2023
Kick-Off: 7:45pm
Referee: Alan Patchell
Waterford FC are back in the action this Friday night as the Blues welcome Galway United to the RSC.
The Blues come into the game after a 1-1 draw with Longford Town last Friday night ensured four points from the opening two matches. Danny Searle’s side took the lead early in the first half; Barry Baggley’s corner kick turned into the back of his own net by Darragh Lynch, before the visitors leveled things up midway through the second half.
The sides last meeting came in the First Division play-off final last season when the Blues ran out comfortable winners over John Caulfield’s side.
The Blues took the lead in the opening 10 minutes before Wassim Aouchria doubled the lead on the stroke of half-time. With ten minutes remaining the Blues booked their place in the promotion/relegation final when Junior Quitirna turned the ball home for his second of the night.
Galway’s last visit to the RSC saw the Tribesmen fall to defeat at the hands of Danny Searle’s charges having taken the lead early on. The visitors took the lead after 11 minutes through a Stephen Walsh goal before goals from Aouchria and Quitirna saw the Blues take all three points.
From The Dugout: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Galway, head coach Danny Searle said:
“We’re disappointed with last week’s result. We know we can play much better and the players are ready to get back on the pitch. Importantly, we haven’t overdone our criticism as we’ve picked up four points from our first two matches and we have 34 more matches to play in the league.
“We had challenging matches against Galway last season before we also met them in the play-offs. We know John has recruited well and they are pushing for the same success as we are – promotion.
“The First Division this season will be even more competitive than last season and Galway will be right up there at the end of the season so we can’t be complacent.
Team News: Matthew Connor continues to miss out through injury.
