Credit:
Limerick -v- Waterford United
- Brendan White
- Thu, May 12 2011
Limerick welcome Munster rivals Waterford United to Jackman Park this Friday evening with just two points separating the teams. Kick-off 7.45pm.
The home side come into the game on the back of a 1-1 draw away to Monaghan United. Padraic Quinn looked to have won the game with a first minute goal but for a last minute equaliser. Waterford United are on the search for three wins in a row after wins against Wexford Youths and Mervue United.
Pat Scully must plan without four players for the match. Dave Ryan (Virus), Gary Sheahan (broken leg), Chris Breen (Hamstring) and James O’Brien (hernia) are all expected to miss the game.
“Waterford is always a tough fixture as we have seen in the recent EA Sports cup game. That was a very tight game and it took a really good goal to win it for us, I think it will be a similar game on Friday night”, Pat Scully said.
“Waterford are very physical especially in their back four and we have to keep passing the ball with a good tempo. I would like see us hitting the target more from the chances we create and if we improve in this, I think we can win this game.”
Blues boss Stephen Henderson has a full squad to pick from as welcomes striker Willie John Kiely back to full fitness and is also able to call on Paul Murphy who returns from suspension.
"You can see the confidence coming into the team”, Henderson said. “Winning does that, and now that we have two victories on the trot we can really push on from here. We head to Limerick now seeking our third win on the bounce."
"We lost there a few weeks ago in the League Cup. That was a poor match but Friday's match will be completely different. I believe with the confidence beginning to grow stronger every day, following six points from two games, we can do well in Jackman Park."
Last season saw Waterford United win two of the three league ties, the third ended in a draw. The home side have already beaten Waterford this season when they faced up in the EA Sports Cup. The game is sure to be a close encounter but both sides need a victory to stay in touch with the leading pack.
Limerick
Injuries: Dave Ryan (Virus), Gary Sheahan (broken leg), Chris Breen (Hamstring), James O’Brien (hernia).
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None.
Waterford United
Injuries: None.
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None.
Referee: Kevin O’Regan.
PaddyPower.com odds: Limerick 21/10 Draw 21/10 Waterford United 12/5
Extratime.ie Prediction: A very close 1-1 draw.
About Brendan White
Brendan White is Extratime News Editor and is responsible for the news section of Extratime.ie. Brendan also covers matches in Dublin and Waterford. You can contact Brendan on twitter @whitebrendan.