League Preview: Waterford United -v- Cabinteely

WATERFORD UNITED

Waterford United lost 2-3 away to Finn Harps last week in a five goal thriller at Ballybofey. Despite going behind by two goals the Blues came back to draw level at 2-2, however Finn Harps Ruairi Keating (on loan from Sligo Rovers) scored a late winner to leave Waterford on six points and bottom of the League Of Ireland First Division.

The match was Tommy Griffin's last game in charge as the former boss has now been appointed to the position of Head of Football Operations at the R.S.C. The Blues then announced Roddy Collins as their first team manager during the week.

Collins has a tough job on his hands and despite having a wealth of managerial experience he commented, “This is a massive job and one I’m really looking forward to," at his first press conference as Blues manager.

Waterford are the only team in the First Division who are yet to win at home with their last points coming from a home draw with Cobh Ramblers on 10th April. Perhaps the biggest problem for the new manager is in defence; The Blues have conceded 19 goals after 10 games.

It's not all bad news though, as the squad has fired home nine goals which is more goals scored than the three teams immediately above them. The current top scorer for the team is striker Willie John Kiely with three goals.

Waterford will be looking to take at least a point from the team closest to them, in the form of Cabinteely, this week.

Kick Off at the Waterford Regional Sports Centre is set for 19:45.

CABINTEELY

Cabinteely lost one-nil on the road in a Dublin derby against Shelbourne last week. It was a 25 yard strike from Adam O'Connor which left Cabo manager Eddie Gormley and his team in seventh place on 8 points.

The newest club to the SSE Airtricity League need to gather momentum away from home. The Dublin side come to Waterford with poor away results record having played 5, lost four. Their only point away from home was the 2-2 draw against Athlone Town.

The core disappointment for the League of Ireland new boys is their misfortune in front of goal. After ten games they are the lowest scorers in the division finding the back of the net on just five occasions.

Cabo are also using social media to engage with the public and supporters. After John McKeown scored a late, late equaliser against Finn Harps the Club offered free tickets to all who had losing bets on Cabinteely getting a result. They also tweeted a birthday cake photo yesterday to Manchester City player Yaya Toure remarking:

"Happy birthday Yaya Toure! Transfer window is June 1st you can have free in on May 22nd for our game vs Cobh also!"

The South Dublin club have young gifted players in the form of John McKeown (21), Evan Finnegan (19), Kevin Knight (22), and Robert Maloney (21) who have all helped Cabo with excellent performances over the team’s inaugural ten games in League Of Ireland football.

The game against The Blues will be a chance for Cabo to rectify poor results away from home.

Referee: Ben Connolly

MATCH STATS

Cabinteely FC beat Waterford United 1-0 when the sides met in Stradbrook on 27th March. John McKeown scoring the winner for Cabo in the 72nd minute.

Roddy Collins has previously had spells in charge of Bangor, Bohemians, Dublin City, Derry City, Shamrock Rovers, Floriana, Cork City, Carlisle United, Monaghan United and Athlone Town.

BETTING

Waterford United 8/11; Draw 23/10; Cabinteely FC 7/2.

PREDICTION

Waterford United 2-2 Cabinteely

Waterford United

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.

Cabinteely FC

Injured: Unknown

Doubtful: Unknown

Suspended: None.