League Preview: Waterford -v- Galway United
Blues boss Keith Long Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)
WATERFORD
Keith Long’s Waterford know that only a win will do against Galway United if they are to keep their slim First Division title hopes alive on Friday night (kick-off is at 7.45pm).
The Blues are 16 points behind leaders Galway but they could claw the gap back to 10 points if they win on Friday and win their game in hand against Treaty United next month.
But before they can think of competing for a league title they will be looking to build on their most win against Wexford at Ferrycarrig Park.
“Monday was a really good result for us [v Wexford],” their boss Long said. “It was a tough game against tough opposition.
“It was a great corner from Connor Parsons and Eddie Nolan showed great desire to get to it and that gave us something to see out the game with.
“That’s two clean sheets in a row now too and that’s really important.
“We’ve got some really talented players in this group and we’re working hard to make sure we’re really positive with how we play.
“These two wins give us a nice lift going into Friday’s game now. It’ll be another really tough game against good level opposition.
“We have Galway on Friday and then Cork the following week so it’s important that we’ve given ourselves a good base to go try to play better.”
Harry Nevin, Dean McMenamy, Shane Griffin and Darragh Power all continue to miss out through injury.
GALWAY UNITED
And while United may be in total control in the title race, Galway United boss John Caulfield is wary that the Blues can still fight their way back into contention.
The Tribesmen have won both games against the Blues this season and that has set them up nicely ahead of the run-in.
But Caulfield is wary of the threat that Waterford can pose to his side,
“We’ve been in very good form since the start of the season,” he told Galway Bay FM this week.
“From the outset Waterford were favourites and we were second favourites.
“It looked like it was going to be a very tight race and obviously we have played them twice and won twice.
“It has given us a good stretch in the league and we have pulled away. But they are at home and know that a win with their game in hand could put them back in contention.”
Referee: Alan Patchell.
PREDICTION
Waterford 0-1 Galway United
Waterford
Injured: Harry Nevin, Dean McMenamy, Shane Griffin, Darragh Power.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.
Galway United
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: Vincent Borden.
