Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan praised his side’s performance following their deserved victory over Shelbourne but believes the Blues should have put the game beyond doubt much earlier.

Waterford secured a second consecutive clean sheet as their impressive run of form continued, with Coughlan insisting his players fully merited the three points.

“I thought overall we were the better team. We defended resiliently when we had to, but we need to be better with the ball. We need to show a little bit more composure and quality because the game should have been out of sight.”

The Blues have transformed their fortunes in recent weeks under Coughlan, but the manager admitted memories of conceding a late equaliser against St Patrick’s Athletic were still fresh in his mind during the closing stages.

“I’d be lying if I said the Pats game didn’t cross my mind. That’s why I was delighted to get another clean sheet. I don’t know the last time the club kept two consecutive clean sheets, but every one of the lads was outstanding.”

While pleased with the result, Coughlan believes his young squad still has room to improve, particularly in possession.

“We’ve got a lot of young players and sometimes a little bit of naivety creeps in. Game management is something we’re working on. At times we get sloppy with the ball and think we have more time than we actually do.”

The Waterford boss says the squad is buying into his demanding standards.

“I strive for better. I seek perfection. I don’t know if perfection exists, but there’s no harm in chasing it. The lads are trying to improve every day and you can see that in their performances.”

Coughlan reserved special praise for midfielder Evan McLaughlin, who made his first league start after returning from a lengthy injury lay-off.

“I hadn’t worked with Evan for the first couple of months because he was injured, so he’s been like a new signing. He was excellent today. His energy, his competitiveness and his quality on the ball were outstanding. The fact he was able to give us 75 or 80 minutes shows how professionally he looked after himself during his rehabilitation.”

The manager also spoke of the positive atmosphere around the club since his arrival.

“I’ve loved it since the day I came through the door. The people at Waterford have been brilliant, the players have worked their socks off and the whole environment has changed. Winning football matches helps that, but there’s a fantastic atmosphere around the place.”

Coughlan was quick to acknowledge the support of the Waterford faithful, describing their backing throughout the season as a major factor in the team’s resurgence.

“The fans have been brilliant. Whether it’s Galway, Dundalk, Derry or today at the RSC, they’ve backed us everywhere. I hope they enjoy nights like this because the players are working incredibly hard to reward them. They’ll have a massive part to play in anything we achieve this season.”

Looking ahead to next Sunday’s home clash with Bohemians, Coughlan says his side will enjoy the victory before turning their attention to another important fixture.

“We’ll enjoy this for the next 24 or 48 hours because sometimes in football you move on too quickly. Then we’ll get back to work and prepare for another massive game against Bohemians.”

The only concern for Waterford was an injury to Will Johnson, with Coughlan confirming the midfielder will undergo an MRI scan.

“That’s the only downside to the afternoon. He’s been a massive player for us and we’re hoping it’s not as bad as we first feared. Fingers crossed he’ll be back with us sooner rather than later.”

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