Waterford FC return to league action at the RSC for the first time in 2025, as we welcome reigning champions Shelbourne FC to our home for our second SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division game of the year, and here’s everything you need to know ahead of kick-off!
Waterford FC vs Shelbourne FC
Friday 21st February 2025
RSC, Waterford
7:45pm
WATERFORD FC
The Blues kicked off their 2025 campaign with a dramatic 3-2 win away to Sligo Rovers FC at the Showgrounds last Saturday. Rowan McDonald & Tommy Lonergan netted in the first-half to give Keith Long’s side a comfortable lead at the break, before Owen Elding halved the deficit minutes into the second-half.
Stephen McMullan’s penalty save from Cian Kavanagh on the hour mark proved crucial, as moments later the Blues extended their lead once again through debutant Conan Noonan.
Jad Hakiki added a second for Sligo late on but the Blues held out for a crucial set of three points to start their season off with a win.
SHELBOURNE FC
Damien Duff’s men travel to RSC on Friday on the back of an impressive opening night win against Derry City FC at Tolka Park last Friday. Sean Boyd netted a brace in the first-half – including one from the penalty spot – along with Evan Caffrey opening his account for the season, as Shelbourne defeated the Candystripes by three-goals-to-one.
After securing their 14th league title in the most dramatic of circumstances last season, the Reds will look to add to that number in 2025.
TEAM NEWS
Rowan McDonald, Ben McCormack & Grant Horton will all miss the visit of Shelbourne on Friday evening after picking up injuries in our win against Sligo last week. Navajo Bakboord is a doubt for the game, whilst Matty Smith, James Olayinka & Trae Coyle remain absent due to longer-term injuries that forced them to miss last weekends opener.
KEITH LONG’S THOUGHTS
“There was a brilliant travelling support last Saturday in Sligo. We had over 4,000 fans in the RSC for our first game of the season last year, and hopefully we’ll have that fantastic support again tomorrow against the champions.”
Limited match tickets remain, and can be purchased by clicking HERE.
