SSE Airtricity First Division
Cobh Ramblers -v- Waterford FC
Friday, 23rd June 2023
Kick-Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Ray Matthews
Waterford FC begin the second half of the season this Friday with a trip to face Cobh Ramblers in St Colman’s Park.
After a mid-season break last weekend, a busy second half of the season sees the Blues begin on the road looking to pick up recent good form.
The Blues come into the game on the back of three wins in a row; scoring 16 goals and conceding just one. Our recent Blues action saw Ronan Coughlan (2) and Dean McMenamy on the scoresheet in a 3-1 win at home to Bray Wanderers two weeks ago.
This week’s teams have met twice this season in the First Division with the Blues coming out on top on both occasions. The earlier meeting this season saw Keith Long’s side win 3-1 in St Colman’s Park with goals from Roland Idowu, Ronan Coughlan and Shane Griffin.
The most recent meeting saw goals from Ronan Coughlan, Shane Griffin, Barry Baggley, Roland Idowu and Wassim Aouachria in a 5-0 win at the RSC.
Visitors Cobh come into the game in 4th place, 13 points behind the Blues in second place.
From The Dugout: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match against Cobh Ramblers, head coach Keith Long said:
“Cobh is a really tough place to go to get a result on a really tight pitch and they’re a good side.
“We know they’ll make it very, very difficult so we’ll have to make sure we win the duels; win them individual battles.
“Collectively as a team, we have to perform to a high standard and try to pick up where we left off before the break.”
Team News: Dean McMenamy is out following injury picked up before the break while Shane Griffin remains a doubt following a similar pre-break injury. Romeo Akachukwu and Connor Parsons are available following knocks.
