Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup
St Michael’s AFC -v- Waterford FC
Saturday, 22nd July 2023
Kick-Off: 5pm
Referee: Ray Matthews
Waterford FC travel to Cooke Park this Saturday for a Sports Direct Men’s FAI Cup First Round clash with St Michael’s AFC.
The sides meet at 5pm looking to book a place in the Second Round of the 2023 competition.
The Blues come into the game after seeing last Friday’s away match against Treaty United postponed due to an unplayable pitch following heavy rain.
A week previous, Keith Long’s side played out a 2-2 draw against Longford Town at the RSC.
Hosts St Michael’s won silverware on two fronts last season, winning the League Champions Cup in Munster and the Tipperary Cup following victory over Old Bridge.
From The Dugout: Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, head coach Keith Long said:
“We’re looking forward to playing in the FAI Cup. St Michael’s will be tough opposition so we need to make sure we perform to a high level and our attitude is right, and make sure we respect the opposition. We’ve done our due diligence in terms of St Michaels out of respect for the challenge we’ll get from them.
“St Michael’s will absolutely provide really tough opposition and we have to make sure we perform to a really good standard to try to progress into the next round of the competition.”
Team News: Sam Sargeant’s international clearance has come through in time to be available for selection, while Darragh Power continues to miss out after groin surgery but is expected to return to training shortly.