Waterford FC return to the RSC tonight, as the Blues welcome Derry City in another crunch game in the bid for survival for Marc Bircham’s side.
The Blues come into tonight's game, originally scheduled for Monday but for a major electrical issue at the RSC, after a 1-0 defeat against Dundalk.
A Daniel Kelly goal on the stroke of half-time saw the Lilywhites take all three points in a crucial clash toward the bottom of the table.
Tonight's fixture will be the Blues’ 4th game in 12 days, with just three games remaining following tonight's battle.
Derry come into the game after a 1-1 draw with Bohemians on Friday night.
Manager Marc Bircham says he's dissapointed with the Dundalk result, but put a lot of that down to tiredness.
“We were disappointed with the Dundalk result. I put that down to tiredness after a busy week with three games and injuries and suspensions. I’ve given the players that one but we have to be ready for this. It’s all been up the air over the last few days after the big electrical problem in the RSC. It’s been a strange time not knowing but Tuesday it is so we have to prepare right for it."
Bircham is hoping that the home support can drive the Blues on to six points at home to Derry and champions Shamrock Rovers this week.
“We trained over the weekend to be ready and we know how well we can play. I didn’t think everyone played well on Friday so we’re hoping to get a big home crowd behind us and push us to get more points on the board on Tuesday and Friday. It’ll probably be the highest points total for a team to be in the relegation playoff. We have to keep pushing.”
Team news
Eddie Nolan, Matthew Connor and Greg Halford are all doubtful with knocks while Prince Mutswunguma misses out. Brian Murphy is suspended for the clash with Paul Martin likely to retain his place in goal.
Bircham says that his side have dealt with plenty of adversity in recent weeks. He believes his team need to win a minimum of two out of their remaining four games.
"Whatever they throw at us - we'll deal with it. We've got four games left, and we need to win a minimum of two out of them. No one gave us a chance in hell of getting even close to the play-off spot, let alone staying up automatically. We've used the siege mentality from the start of the season. We're going to carry that through to the end, hopefully get the points and stay in this league."
The Blues have lost out to Derry this season but Bircham knows they have enough in them to topple the Candystripes this evening.
"We know the strengths and weaknesses of the opposition but above all, we concentrate on our own performance. We know what we have to do in our performance to win the games and it's been working for us. Normally, when we focus on our individual performances and get it right, the result goes our way."
Kick-off is at 6.15pm.
