Waterford FC are back in the winner’s paddock after a 1-0 win at home to Sligo Rovers.
#ThankYou
FT - 1-0#WFCvSRFC pic.twitter.com/eVKAQaRjBV— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) September 26, 2020
Speaking before the game Blues midfielder Robbie Weir said that they would be heading into the fixture with their sights firmly set on three points – and they’ve achieved that, in no small part thanks to a definite goal of the year nominee from Mattie Smith.
With less than nine minutes played Weir struck a raking long pass forward, it was headed down by Ali Coote and laid off to his fellow Scotsman, Smith who hit a blistering shot from twenty yards. With Rovers goalkeeper Edward McGinty tracking back, he had no chance and the ball bulged the netting. Three minutes later Smith crashed in an angled shot that was superbly saved by Edward McGinty the Sligo goalkeeper.
🚨 GOAL OF THE SEASON KLAXON 🚨
GOAL | @WaterfordFCie 1-0 @sligorovers
9 | Incredible volley from Matty Smith to put Waterford ahead, goal of the season!? 🤔
WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/r9FnvNR3Px— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 26, 2020
Incredible 📸@WaterfordFCie 🔥@sportsfile | #GreatestLeagueInTheWorld pic.twitter.com/eEndX1oDd0
— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 26, 2020
Waterford had a scare mid-way through the first half when Alex Cooper got around Brian Murphy, but he was unable to pick out a colleague in the penalty area.
Brian Murphy the Blues goalkeeper produced a great save from David Cawley just before half time, and then Murphy the Waterford captain did likewise from Ronan Coughlan just after half time.
HALF-TIME | @WaterfordFCie 1-0 @sligorovers
Matty Smith's stunning volley has the home side ahead at the break at the Regional Sports Centre
WATCH LIVE | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20 #WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/uFzDyDQZHt— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 26, 2020
Will Fitzgerald missed an absolute sitter for the Blues on 52 minutes when he made contact with a left wing cross from Tyreke Wilson, but he could not keep his header on target in front of an open goal.
Waterford could have sealed the game completely 2 minutes from full time, Kurtis Byrne shot wide from a good position.
What a huge three points 👆
FT | @WaterfordFCie 1-0 @sligorovers
Matty Smith's stunning volley lifts Waterford up to third in the table 👌
Catch-up | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20 #WATCHLOI | 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗖𝗹𝘂𝗯 pic.twitter.com/tRPQAnHiPd— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) September 26, 2020
For the first time in several months, fans were once again allowed to attend the game under the new level 2 covid19 protocols
We’re glad to have you back. How we’ve missed you. 💙#WFCvSRFC pic.twitter.com/7VZErTG0lG
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) September 26, 2020
The Blues now sit third in the league table with five games remaining. Dundalk are three points behind Franny Rocket and his charges, but have a game in hand as they host table topping Shamrock Rovers on Sunday (27th September) at Oriel Park.
From Monday morning, five rounds of games remain in this truncated 18 game season. The Blues will have to see their way through Derry (away), Shelbourne (home), Cork City (away), Dundalk (home) and Finn Harps (away).
Having beaten three of those teams this season (Derry, Shelbourne, Finn Harps), drawn with one (Cork City) and only being beaten by Dundalk, while also drawing with Dundalk once – they will very much fancy their chances heading into the end of the campaign.
With second placed Bohemians well out of reach (barring some very unexpected results) the fight will now be coming from behind the Blues.
However, Dundalk’s result tonight would see them leapfrog Waterford into third place on goal difference – but in order to finish out their season, they need to face down Shamrock Rovers, Finn Harps, St Pats, Bohemians, Derry City, Waterford and Sligo Rovers.
Of those teams, they’ve beaten three (Finn Harps, Derry, Waterford), drawn with one (St Pats) and been beaten by two (Bohemians, Shamrock Rovers, Sligo)
