Waterford United -v- Derry City

• Dean Hayes
• Thu, Mar 18 2010


Waterford United welcome Derry City to the RSC on Friday night (kick- off 7.45pm) in what promises to be an enthralling battle between two of the First Division’s promotion favourites. Waterford are yet to concede a goal in the league this season and have notched up two wins in their opening brace of games, the latest an excellent away win in Cork. Derry meanwhile managed just a point against the Leesiders on the opening night before grinding out a valuable away win versus Limerick FC last time out.

Waterford will have to plan without the services of defender Seamus Long, a key component of the Blues’ mean defence, who misses out through suspension. Winter signing John Hayes is likely to be recalled having started the Suirsiders’ opening game but making way for the visit to Turner’s Cross. Blues boss Stephen Henderson was proud of his side’s display last weekend.

"I think we deserved the win as we dominated the game pretty much from the start. We defended very well once again and kept the ball on the ground.

It was a very mature performance from our lads, one that showed we're more than capable of dealing with these pressurised situations, but we won't be getting carried away with this performance ahead of our game with Derry next week."

On the subject of the upcoming Derry encounter, Henderson had a word of warning for his players about the Candystripes’ undoubted quality but also hinted at the confidence he has in his own players.

"Derry will be the clear favourites to win the league this season, based on the quality players they managed to hold onto from last season's panel, and the bright young talent they have coming through.

But there is no doubt we are getting better with every game. The lads know there is no room for complacency, only a ruthless desire from every squad member to win every game will achieve our goal of promotion."

Derry also have a suspension problem, Mark Scoltock will miss this game having been sent off last weekend for two yellow card offences. Boss Stephen Kenny will know that his side must improve on that performance if they are to take three points away from the RSC. However he will no doubt take heart from the battling qualities his team showed and that kind of resilience and fight will be key for this clash with perhaps their main promotion rivals. It will be certainly be too early to draw any real conclusions from this game with regard the destination of the First Division title, regardless of the result. It should however offer an intriguing view of where both sides currently stand in their development as a team.

Aside from Long’s suspension, Waterford’s only other concerns are slight knocks to Kevin Murray and Paul McCarthy, though both are expected to be passed fit to play. Derry are only missing the suspended Mark Scoltock. Extratime.ie prediction: I expect a tight game with plenty of commitment on show as well as some good football. Waterford’s excellent early form as well as home advantage means I’m favouring them for this one, but only slightly. 2-1 Waterford.