League Preview: Waterford -v- St Patrick's Athletic

• Gareth Penrose
• Mon, Feb 26 2018




WATERFORD

Waterford got life in the Premier Division off to a great start with a 2-1 home win over Derry City.

 

The Blues then suffered a 2-0 loss to Cork City but they will be hoping to bounce back immediately as they welcome St Patrick’s Athletic to the RSC on Monday night (kick-off 7.45pm).

 

Prior to Waterford’s last game, they confirmed the departure of Patrick McClean to Sligo Rovers while also confirming the signings of Lawrence Vigouroux and Courtney Duffus on loan.

 

Waterford manager Alan Reynolds has no suspensions ahead of Monday’s clash. No team news was available ahead of the game.

 

ST PATRICK’S ATHLETIC

The Saints have now registered a loss and a win in the opening two games of the season. Having fought back from 2-0 down to Cork City they eventually lost out by the odd goal in five.

 

They recorded their first victory of the 2018 season on Friday with a 2-1 win over Bray Wanderers and assistant manager Ger O’Brien was delighted Pats opened their points account for the season.

 

“It was important to get our first win of the season on Friday,” O’Brien told stpatsfc.com. 

 

“Momentum is a big thing in football and we knew after losing to Cork on the opening night we were under a little pressure to open our accounts, so to do that was fantastic.

 

“The great thing about these double headers is that if you can get two positive results, all of a sudden the league table looks a lot better for you.”

 

In team news, the Saints continue to assess the fitness of Killian Brennan and Thomas Byrne, however manager Liam Buckley is hopeful of otherwise having a full squad available.

 

Midfielder Conan Byrne has gotten off to a great start for the season with two goals from two games but he will be happy for the team to succeed over his own personal success.

 

“I have two goals from two games so far and one assist as well, so I am happy with that from a personal point of view.

 

“However if it is not me involved in a goal on Monday evening, I will be happy so long as we get a result. 

 

“Waterford started the league well last week and apparently really put it up to Cork City the other night so we’re expecting a tough game. 

 

“We're on the road again but we know we will have a good crowd from Dublin supporting us so we are really focused on trying to get a result.” 

 

 

Referee: Sean Grant

 

 

MATCH STATS

The last time these sides met was in 2011 in the fourth round of the FAI Cup. Daryl Kavanagh netted a brace while current Shamrock Rovers boss Stephen Bradley was on hand to score the third.

 

The clubs last met in the Premier Division in 2007. St Pats recorded two victories, 4-1 and 3-0, whilst Waterford (United at the time) won their home clash 2-1. Dave Mulcahy scored for Pats in that game but went on to join Waterford a few weeks later.

 

Pats and Waterford have both won and lost a game so far this season and sit on three points in the 2018 table.

 

 

BETTING

Waterford 9/5; Draw 23/10; St. Patrick’s Athletic 7/5.

 

PREDICTION

Waterford 1 – 1 St. Patrick’s Athletic 

 

 

Waterford

Injured: Unavailable.

Doubtful: Unavailable.

Suspended: None.

 

St Patrick’s Athletic

Injured: None.

Doubtful: Killian Brennan, Thomas Byrne.

Suspended: None.