Waterford United FC -v- Shelbourne FC
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Waterford United are set to take on their second title rival in as many home games when they host Shelbourne, one of three teams in the division still holding a 100 percent record, at the RSC this Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm).
Early tests
Following on from their opening night draw with Sporting Fingal, the Blues will be keen to see how they shape up against the bookies' second favourites for promotion in a game that was originally scheduled for Saturday. Last season, Shels had the upper hand over United on the head-to-head, winning once and drawing once both home and away, including the all-important penultimate match which ended Waterford's promotion hopes.
Shels shining
Shels have a 100 percent record so far this season after following up a 2-1 home win over Wexford Youths with a 1-0 victory at Monaghan United last weekend. A third win on the bounce here would send out a further message to their other title rivals, as well as denting Waterford’s good start to the season. Stephen Henderson's new-look side were unlucky not to take maximum points from Fingal a fortnight ago when they were hit with a late equaliser, but they got their first win of the campaign last weekend thanks to Willie John Kiely's early goal in Wexford.
'Immense performance'
“I felt it was an immense performance from the team," Henderson said after last week's win. "It’s a team that has an awful lot of experience. We were very unlucky to concede against Fingal but what I liked is the way the players are helping each other with constructive talking to each other and that’s great to see. I’m over the moon with the result and with the performance. I felt that the work rate from the players for the whole ninety minutes was fantastic and I think that’s as comfortable a 1-0 win as you’re going to see all season."
Shels weakened
Henderson should have a full squad to choose from. Midfielder Paul McCarthy is the only injury doubt with a hip/groin strain, but it is hoped that he will be available to play his part in what promises to be an intriguing match. For Shels, midfield pair Darren Meenan and David McGill miss out through suspension as a result of yellow cards accumulated last season, while on the injury front, ex-Waterford defender Stephen Quigley (calf) is unavailable.
extratime.ie prediction: This should be a cracker with very little to choose between the sides.
Early tests
Following on from their opening night draw with Sporting Fingal, the Blues will be keen to see how they shape up against the bookies' second favourites for promotion in a game that was originally scheduled for Saturday. Last season, Shels had the upper hand over United on the head-to-head, winning once and drawing once both home and away, including the all-important penultimate match which ended Waterford's promotion hopes.
Shels shining
Shels have a 100 percent record so far this season after following up a 2-1 home win over Wexford Youths with a 1-0 victory at Monaghan United last weekend. A third win on the bounce here would send out a further message to their other title rivals, as well as denting Waterford’s good start to the season. Stephen Henderson's new-look side were unlucky not to take maximum points from Fingal a fortnight ago when they were hit with a late equaliser, but they got their first win of the campaign last weekend thanks to Willie John Kiely's early goal in Wexford.
'Immense performance'
“I felt it was an immense performance from the team," Henderson said after last week's win. "It’s a team that has an awful lot of experience. We were very unlucky to concede against Fingal but what I liked is the way the players are helping each other with constructive talking to each other and that’s great to see. I’m over the moon with the result and with the performance. I felt that the work rate from the players for the whole ninety minutes was fantastic and I think that’s as comfortable a 1-0 win as you’re going to see all season."
Shels weakened
Henderson should have a full squad to choose from. Midfielder Paul McCarthy is the only injury doubt with a hip/groin strain, but it is hoped that he will be available to play his part in what promises to be an intriguing match. For Shels, midfield pair Darren Meenan and David McGill miss out through suspension as a result of yellow cards accumulated last season, while on the injury front, ex-Waterford defender Stephen Quigley (calf) is unavailable.
extratime.ie prediction: This should be a cracker with very little to choose between the sides.
About Gordon Hunt
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