First Division Playoff Report: Athlone Town 1 - 1 Waterford
Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)
Waterford boss Keith Long knows that it is all to play for in his side’s First Division play-off second leg against Athlone Town this weekend.
The two teams played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in Tuesday’s first-leg at the Athlone Town Stadium but the Blues will be disappointed that they are not taking a lead back to the RSC.
Long’s side took the lead thanks to a superb goal from Ronan Coughlan before they were pegged back by Athlone’s in-form striker Frantz Pierrot in the latter stages.
But Waterford were denied two possible penalties by referee Oliver Moran which may have swung the game in their favour.
| A moment of magic
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) October 24, 2023
It's often what games like these need, and Ronan Coughlan has just delivered for Waterford #LOI | #ATHWATpic.twitter.com/nLJ3y3evaa
“We got ahead in the game, created chances and Ronan Coughlan also hit the butt of the post,” Long told Waterford’s media team after the game.
“Some debatable decisions didn’t go our way and on another night we may have got a penalty or two.
“To be fair to the referee, he is in a really good position for both two and he deems that they were not in our favour.
“But there were elements of our game that were really good. I am pleased with some of the performances and hopefully we can show that spirit again on Saturday.
“Hopefully the home crowd will give us a bit of an advantage.”
Initial reaction from head coach Keith Long after tonight’s Play Off semi final first leg in Athlone. #WaterfordFCpic.twitter.com/NeXn7EKHbp
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 24, 2023
Athlone Town:Enda Minogue; German Fuentes Rodriguez, Patrick Hickey, Matthew Baker (Jack Kavanagh 87), Daniel McKenna (Matthew Leal 87), Noah van Geenen; Jamar Campion-Hinds (Daniel Orrego 35), Aaron Connolly, Valeri Dolia (Dylan Gavin 80), Oisin Duffy; Frantz Pierrot.
Subs not used:Shaun O'Donnell, Nazar Zubkov, Donal Curtin, Josh McGlone.
Booked:Patrick Hickey (59), Oisin Duffy (84).
Waterford:Sam Sargeant; Ryan Burke, Samuel Perry, Giles Phillips, Darragh Power; Romeo Akachukwu (Dean McMenamy 90), Barry Baggley, Roland Idowu, Rowan McDonald (Niall O'Keeffe 85); Ronan Coughlan, Connor Parsons.
Subs not used:Paul Martin, Killian Cantwell, Drew Baker, Harry Nevin, Cameron Cresswell, Shane Griffin, Christie Pattisson.
Booked:Darragh Power (2), Ryan Burke (84).
Referee:Oliver Moran.
Attendance:1597.
