Keith Long: 'The second goal. Listen, I don't think it's a free kick. It's probably a free kick our way'

Waterford boss Keith Long

Waterford boss Keith Long Credit: Liam Coughlan (ETPhotos)

Paul Corcoran reports from Eamonn Deacy Park

After a positive start to life in the Premier Division, with a draw against Shelbourne and a win over Drogheda United, Waterford suffered their first loss of the season when Galway United came from behind to beat them 2-1 on Friday night.

Despite Waterford taking the lead through a Padraig Amond goal in the first half, the Blues failed to threaten Galway’s goal enough and allowed the Tribesmen a lot of possession throughout.

Waterford manager Keith Long spoke to extratime.com after the game and outlined his disappointment with the result.

“Disappointed with the goals that we conceded, probably fair result and, to be fair, Galway had the better of the game and the majority of the chances,” Long explained.

“They test your organisation; they test your willingness to run and defend and move. We got what we deserved.

“I think the goal we concede three minutes into the second half is a poor one.

“We're back on our heels in the box and we don't pick up – you can't have spare players in the box, you can't have attackers free in the box and you know that's just the basics of the game.

“The second goal. Listen, I don't think it's a free kick. It's probably a free kick our way. But after that, we didn’t do better.”

Waterford have become very familiar with Galway United over the past two years having been promotion rivals in the First Division.



After Friday night, however, the Blues now have the unenviable record of having lost to Galway in four of their five previous encounters – with no win for Waterford at Eamonn Deacy Park since 2007.

Long gave credit to Galway for their performance and the way they approached the game.

“Galway played the way they played, and the way they played all last year. They played to their strengths, and they have a game plan. They have a purpose about how they play and they're very effective.,” Long said.

“Very difficult opposition to play against, certainly on a pitch like that where it's energy stopping, you can't pass the ball, but you’ve got to credit Galway with that.

“I think there's people that look down their noses on how some teams play. There's no right and one way of playing football and Galway have won tonight, I think deservedly so, but we're disappointed with how we played overall.

“I think we can play better. I think we can move the ball better, we can attack better, we can create more chances, more openings. Did we work Brendan Clarke enough tonight? Probably not and certainly outside the possession tonight we got to do better.



“The goals we conceded just ain't good enough. I think you can't give any team, never mind Galway with the home crowd behind them, any opportunity, any oxygen in the game and unfortunately, we didn't do that well enough tonight.”

Waterford have a quick turnaround and a chance to return to winning ways with their next game on Monday night as they host St Patrick’s Athletic at the RSC.

About Paul Corcoran

Paul Corcoran is an experienced writer and journalist and has contributed to various publications including the Galway United match programme Maroon View. He spends much of his time covering the fortunes of Galway United's teams … View Full Profile