League Preview: UCD -v- Waterford United

• Gareth O'Reilly
• Thu, Aug 06 2015




UCD welcome bottom of the league Waterford United to the UCD Bowl with both sides more determined than ever to carve out a result. Kick-off is 7:45pm.

 

UCD

UCD will be looking to continue to put pressure on league leaders Finn Harps by racking up three points against their Munster opponents. 

 

Collie O’Neill goes into this game without the services of Mick Leahy, Greg Sloggett and Dylan Watts – all three of which continue to be on the treatment table in Belfield. To make matter worse, winger Jamie Doyle is now a doubt for the contest and will likely face a later fitness test if he is to start against the Blues.

 

While the UCD boss must continue to plan without Chris Mulhall for one more First Division game as the winger serves the last of his ban he received for getting sent off in the first half against Cobh back in June.

 

Last time these sides met it was down in the Waterford where neither side managed to break the others rearguard, something O’Neill will be keen to change this time around.

 

“When we played Waterford down there it was a very tight game. Although we were disappointed to draw the game, they had chances to win the game and were a threat going forward and difficult to break down. We will have to be patient on Friday and make sure we take our chances when we get them,” stated O’Neill.

 

At times last Friday night, it looked like the College may differ from the pre-game script and fail to pick up all three points but instead goals from Jamie Doyle and Tomas Boyle added to Robbie Benson’s first half header to ensure all three points would be heading back to Belfield with the Students.

 

“It was a difficult game against Cabinteely last week especially after going behind to the early goal. I was pleased with how we played, we had a lot of possession and created some good chances. It is important we keep our run going over the remaining games and look to win every game,” concluded the UCD manager.

 

 

WATERFORD UNITED

The Blues will be desperate to at least improve on their performances of late even if it does mean suffering yet another defeat in what has been a long season so far for Tommy Griffin and Roddy Collins.

 

Waterford will have to plan for this one without the pairing of Corey Galvin or Anthony McAlavey as both have been handed a one game ban by the FAI however, manager Collins can once again call on Evan Galvin and Ethan Boyle who both return from suspension.

 

In further team news Thomas Croke continues to miss out through injury while keeper Matthew Connor, who missed last week’s three one defeat to Cobh Ramblers, remains doubtful for the trip to Dublin.

 

Speaking ahead of the game Roddy Collins once again is fully aware that his side are really up against it week in, week out in this division.

 

“We’re going to have McAlavey and Cory Galvin suspended for UCD but we’ll have Evan and Ethan back so that’s a help. We’ll be down to the bare bones again next week. 

 

“It’s not sentiment but I just feel so sorry for the supporters, the club, the directors and the players. I do and if I could wave a magic wand and make everyone happy I would but this is going to be a long hard job however I’m here for the long haul. I’m 100% here for the long haul.

 

Collins was also keen to stress that he believed things will improve in the future and that maybe there is some light at the end of what has been a dark, dark, tunnel and indeed season for United.

 

“Every day when something is thrown at us like this [defeat to Cobh Ramblers], it makes me stronger and more determined. We will get it right and I’ll keep saying. We need to get that little break that we haven’t got in recent games and just get that win that could bring us on a run to the end of the season before bringing in some new players for next year.

 

Referee: Rhona Daly

 

 

MATCH FACTS

Waterford last won ten games ago when they beat Cabinteely in mid-May – not exactly a record the travelling fans are likely to be boasting about on Friday night in Belfield.

 

UCD have now gone 14 games unbeaten – their last defeat coming thanks to a first minute Danny Furlong goal in Ferrycarrig Park back in March.

 

UCD have lost the least amount of games in the First Division with only Cork, Dundalk and Shamrock Rovers having lost less out of the entire 20 team SSE Airtricity League set-up.

 

 

BETTING

UCD 4/11; Draw 3/1; Waterford United 15/2.

 

PREDICTION

UCD 3-1 Waterford United

 

 

UCD

Injured: Mick Leahy, Greg Sloggett, Dylan Watts.

Doubtful: Jamie Doyle.

Suspended: Chris Mulhall.

 

Waterford United

Injured: Thomas Croke

Doubtful: Matthew Connor

Suspended: Cory Galvin, Anthony McAlavey.