Waterford United vs Kildare County

Waterford United will be looking to quickly get back to winning ways when they take on Kildare County at the RSC this Friday. (Kick-off 19.45)

After their unbeaten run was finally ended at ten games by Dundalk last weekend, the Blues have slipped five points behind the leaders, and down to third place on goal difference behind Shelbourne, and they will be aiming to bounce right back with a convincing victory over bottom placed County.

That may be easier said than done, as the two games between the sides this season have been close run things, both decided by a single goal in Waterford's favour, and indeed last time at the RSC it took a 90th minute Vinny Sullivan strike to secure the win, after the Blues had trailed up until six minutes from time.

Decent wins at Longford and Wexford for the Thoroughbreds in recent weeks will also serve to warn United against complacency, and manager Gareth Cronin knows his side will have to be at their best to take the three points.

"It won't be easy. They [Kildare] do well against the big teams, they set out their stall to be defensive. We won't show any disrespect to them. We just have to make sure we go and get three points."

The boss was pleased with his team's performance at Oriel Park on Thursday, though bemoaning their defending of set pieces which cost them the match, and will be hoping for similar from his charges this Friday.

"I always thought it would be tight. Dundalk do very well from set pieces, especially here at Oriel, and I always knew they'd be a threat."

"But I can have no complaints, the second half performance was brilliant from us, we passed the ball very well."

He will have to plan without the services of midfielder Luke Fitzpatrick, impressive in the Dundalk game but suspended for this match, but Vinny Sullivan should boost Cronin's attacking options as he returns from honeymoon.