League Preview: Waterford -v- Bohemians

Waterford celebrate a Padraig Amond goal against St. Pat's last Monday

Waterford celebrate a Padraig Amond goal against St. Pat's last Monday Credit: Hugh de Paor (ETPhotos)

WATERFORD

Waterford bring the curtain down on their home campaign tonight when they host Bohemians at the RSC (kick-off is at 7.45pm).

The Blues have - like Bohs - nothing to play for in terms of Europe or relegation worries.

So that means they are likely to ring the changes for their final home game of the season.

But boss Keith Long admitted last week that his side must add an experienced core to their side in order to challenge further next season.

The former Bohs manager was left to rue a 3-1 defeat against Shelbourne last weekend after taking a 1-0 lead.

“As a newly promoted club, our primary objective was staying up and we’ve done that. We’ve been competitive in all games but lost too many for my liking. Part of that is having experience, leaders and winners in your dressing room,” he told the Waterford News.

“It can be difficult to attract experienced players because the Dublin thing for their bigger clubs is an attraction. At the same time, players are available and we have to be smart in our recruitment.”

The Blues will be without Kyle White and Adam Queally against Bohemians through injury.

BOHEMIANS



After securing their top-flight status for the 2025 campaign last weekend, Bohemians will be keen to put a frustrating season behind them.

And they have a chance to do that with their final away trip of the season bringing them to the RSC.

Though they will be without the likes of Rob Cornwall, Leigh Kavanagh, Ross Tierney, Keith Buckley, James McManus and James Akintunde for the game.

But boss Alan Reynolds insists those absentees give younger players within his ranks a chance to feature.

“As well as those three big long-term injuries, again we have a lot of players out at the moment,” he explained.

“But at this stage of the season we have to look as that as a positive opportunity for our younger players, so some of our Under-19s, Rhys Brennan, Seán Moore and Markuss Strods alongside Nickson Okosun, are in contention to feature in our squads for the final two games.



“They are really good quality prospects, so now is a good opportunity for them to be in and around first team training and to see what they are capable of transitioning to senior football.” 

Referee: Damien MacGraith.

 

PREDICTION

Waterford 2-0 Bohemians

 

Waterford

Injured: Kyle White, Adam Queally.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None. 

 

Bohemians

Injured: Rob Cornwall, Leigh Kavanagh, Ross Tierney, Keith Buckley, James McManus, James Akintunde.

Doubtful: None.

Suspended: None.

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