Waterford United vs Limerick 37
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Second-placed Waterford United can keep the heat up on leaders Dundalk when they entertain Limerick 37 in a crucial eircom League of Ireland First Division fixture at the RSC on Friday night (kick-off 7.45pm). The Blues are now unbeaten in nine league games, however, four draws in their last six outings has hindered their progress as they have fallen four points behind Dundalk having been two ahead of the Lilywhites just five weeks ago.
The RSC is what Waterford have so far built their promotion push on, with their home form the most impressive in the division. Just last weekend, they made it eight wins from eleven games at the venue, as they ended Sporting Fingal’s five-match winning sequence - a display that manager Gareth Cronin was hugely encouraged by. “That was without doubt up in the top five performances since I came to the club,” Cronin enthused.
“We scored two excellent goals, and although we did concede another terrible goal - something we did in Wexford and in Athlone - we stormed back and showed great character and that pleased me very much.”
With the visit of Limerick coinciding with Dundalk’s trip to Fingal, this match provides Waterford with the opportunity to close the gap at the top. And, with a trip to Oriel Park looming, Cronin knows how important it is to net another win.
“We now play Limerick before we have a break and then it's an away game against Dundalk, and what a game that is going to be,” he said. “If we are within two or three points of the leaders going into the last series of games, I will be very happy.”
Limerick, for their part, have hit a brick wall in the past fortnight having, at one stage, threatened a late title charge. Mike Kerley’s men recorded four straight wins - including away victories at Dundalk and Shelbourne - however, they have accumulated just one point from the last nine on offer. A disappointing home draw against Wexford Youths was followed by straight defeats to Fingal and Longford Town, and, on the form book, a third loss on the trot seems a cert.
Team News: Waterford have no suspensions to deal with, however, they will be without midfielder Paul McCarthy, who is out for up to another four weeks through an ankle injury. The Blues may also be unable to call on Gary Dunphy, who is extremely doubtful with ligament trouble. Limerick, meanwhile, will be without midfielder Dave Ryan, who was sent-off in the second-half of last week’s heavy home loss to Longford.
