SSE Airtricity First Division
Waterford FC -v- Wexford FC
Friday, 29th September 2023
Kick-Off: 7.45pm
Referee: Daryl Carolan
Waterford FC will look to build on last week’s win on the road when Wexford FC visit the RSC this Friday night.
Tickets can be purchased here now.
Last Friday, the Blues convincingly beat Longford Town in Bishopsgate to continue their good form coming into the play-offs in a number of weeks. Ryan Burke opened the scoring before Ronan Coughlan and Christie Pattisson secured a deserved 3-0 win on the road.
That game saw the return of long-term absenties Ronan Coughlan and Barry Baggley; both back in the Blues squad after missing recent matches through injury.
South-east neighbours Wexford FC have proved tricky opponents this season. The Blues have won both matches in Ferrycarrig, but Wexford picked up the points in the RSC back in May.
The visitors come into the game on the back of two wins last weekend, beating Bray Wanderers on Friday before a 2-0 win over Longford Town on Monday.
Wexford sit 4th in the league table. The Blues remain second, with four matches to play.
From The Dugout: Speaking ahead of Friday’s match, head coach Keith Long said:
“Last week [v Longford Town] was good. The performance was more like what we expect and another clean sheet which is important. We started well and really played on the front foot which gave us a good hold of the game. Second half we got the goals when they lost a player and that also allowed us to get more game time for players.
“We wanted a response from the players [after the Cobh defeat] and we really got that and they know the standard of performances they can put in. We have bodies back from injury now and that gives us more options, and they’re quality players we have to come in.
“In terms of the quality and the way we want the team to play, we’re seeing more of that now and that’s really pleasing as we look to Wexford on Friday. Wexford are in good form and have shown their quality this season already, they’re on a good league run and only narrowly lost their Cup semi final. It won’t be easy but we’re looking forward to it.”
Team News: Harry Nevin and Rowan McDonald continue their recoveries from injury.
