Waterford FC suffered their second home defeat in the space of three days when losing to Shamrock Rovers last night at the RSC.
The Blues got off to the worst possible start when they conceded a second own goal in as many games after only three minutes when defender Akin Odinmayo sliced a Rhys Marshall right-wing cross past keeper Brian Murphy.
Things got worse for Alan Reynolds’ side on 16 minutes when Andre Burley was red-carded by referee Ray Matthews for a second yellow card for a late challenge on Dean Williams. Rovers doubled their lead from the resulting Jack Byrne free-kick that broke to Rhys Marshall on the top of the penalty area and he beat Murphy with a stunning right-footed strike.
Rovers controlled the game from there on and it was Brian Murphy that kept a clean sheet in the second half with a string of saves. He kept out a header from Dean Williams before someone managing to keep out two chances from Dylan Watts as the Blues struggled to lay a glove on their opponents.
Next up for the Blues is a long trip to the Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers on Saturday night - a game that will be live on WLR with thanks to Clem Jacob Hire.
FT: The Blues go down by 2-0 against Shamrock Rovers. Thanks to all our fans who made their way to the RSC tonight. Your support is greatly appreciated.#WFCvSRFC
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) February 24, 2020
Waterford: B Murphy; S Bone, A Odimayo, A Burley, T Wilson; S Griffin; A Coote, R McCourt, K O’Connor (S Allardice 81); M Smith (W Fitzgerald 72), M O’Connor (W Longbottom 46).
Shamrock Rovers: A Mannus; L Grace, R Lopes, L Scales; R Marshall (N Farrugia 72), G Bolger, D Watts, D Lafferty; J Byrne (B Kavanagh 65); D Williams, A Greene (T Oluwa 77).
Referee: R Matthews (Kerry).
Attendance: 1702
