Henderson feels unlucky in defeat
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Following Waterford United’s defeat to Limerick in the EA Sports Cup on Monday night, Blues boss Stephen Henderson has an air of optimism about him despite the result.
“We didn’t deserve to lose that I feel. It does seem to be the way it’s going for us at the minute”. One could hardly disagree with the United manager as both sides showed a lack of flair and interest in the tie. Waterford have now lost their last four games in all competitions, and there is a certain amount of pressure on the Dublin native.
Before the match, the most important thing, according to Henderson, was that their players started enjoying their football once again. He felt that they did that to a certain extent. “They started off well, they enjoyed it, but got sloppier and sloppier as the game progressed. Until we start well, like we did today, and end well, we’re going to be in a bit of trouble. We needed to get back to basics, and we did that to an extent. It’s up to the players now to do it for themselves and to get on a bit of a run.”
The turning point of the game appeared to be the introduction of young David O’Leary. Stephen Henderson acknowledged that. “He’s a young lad, very composed and a great passer of the ball. He made a difference to Limerick.” He does admit though, that he was more concerned about his own side, and his young players such as Brian Nolan. “We were trying to get him off, he did well, but was struggling and he would have been there closing down the shot but unfortunately we couldn’t make the change in time.”
He seemed also to think that this result would in no way affect the team’s performance against Wexford youths on Friday. “It won’t have an effect, we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing. The lads need to pass the ball a bit better, and we need our form to come back. When they actually go and do what they’re told to do, we’ll be a strong team this year, so they have to just dig in and get on with it.”
Waterford have just seven points from seven games and a win against Wexford Youths this Friday is a must for the players and Henderson alike.
“We didn’t deserve to lose that I feel. It does seem to be the way it’s going for us at the minute”. One could hardly disagree with the United manager as both sides showed a lack of flair and interest in the tie. Waterford have now lost their last four games in all competitions, and there is a certain amount of pressure on the Dublin native.
Before the match, the most important thing, according to Henderson, was that their players started enjoying their football once again. He felt that they did that to a certain extent. “They started off well, they enjoyed it, but got sloppier and sloppier as the game progressed. Until we start well, like we did today, and end well, we’re going to be in a bit of trouble. We needed to get back to basics, and we did that to an extent. It’s up to the players now to do it for themselves and to get on a bit of a run.”
The turning point of the game appeared to be the introduction of young David O’Leary. Stephen Henderson acknowledged that. “He’s a young lad, very composed and a great passer of the ball. He made a difference to Limerick.” He does admit though, that he was more concerned about his own side, and his young players such as Brian Nolan. “We were trying to get him off, he did well, but was struggling and he would have been there closing down the shot but unfortunately we couldn’t make the change in time.”
He seemed also to think that this result would in no way affect the team’s performance against Wexford youths on Friday. “It won’t have an effect, we’ll just keep doing what we’re doing. The lads need to pass the ball a bit better, and we need our form to come back. When they actually go and do what they’re told to do, we’ll be a strong team this year, so they have to just dig in and get on with it.”
Waterford have just seven points from seven games and a win against Wexford Youths this Friday is a must for the players and Henderson alike.
About Andrew Cunneen
Andrew joined Extratime for the 2010 season and covers all the on-goings down in Limerick. Having first experienced the League of Ireland in 2002, Andrew became hooked, even at such an early age. He is … View Full Profile