Waterford FC are back on the road this Friday, making their longest journey of the season up to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium to take on Derry City FC in the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division.
The Blues kicked-off their season a fortnight ago with a 3-2 win away to Sligo Rovers at The Showgrounds, with goals from Rowan McDonald, Tommy Lonergan & Conan Noonan sealing a first win of the new campaign.
Reigning Premier Division champions Shelbourne were the first visitors to the RSC this season last Friday, as Mipo Odubeko’s first-half finish proved the difference between the sides on a night that saw over 3,400 spectators fill into the RSC.
Waterford make the journey up to Derry this Friday looking to pick up a positive result against a side that will be looking to challenge for league honours in 2025.
The Candystripes welcome Keith Long’s side with three points to their name from their opening two games of the 2025 League of Ireland season.
An opening night 3-1 defeat away to Shelbourne was followed up with a 1-0 win at home to Bohemians last Friday, with Michael Duffy’s stunning free-kick the difference between the sides on the night.
New Derry boss Tiernan Lynch will look to continue that positive home form against Waterford – at a ground where the visitors haven’t tasted success since 2021.
Ryan Burke is suspended for the game following his red-card against Shelbourne last week. Ben McCormack & Grant Horton remain doubts after picking up injuries in recent weeks. Trae Coyle & Matty Smith remain out, as they continue thier recovery from injury.
James Olayinka makes the match day squad having returned to training this week, after missing the first two-weeks of the season due to injury.
“I think we can gain confidence based off our first two performances, and we’ve got to move on to what is a tough week with Derry away followed quickly by Cork and Bohemians at home. The games are coming thick and fast now, and we’ve got to be ready & ensure we recover well”, said manager Keith Long.
WLR will bring you the game LIVE thanks to John Murphy Carpets.
Elsewhere – Shelbourne take on Shamrock Rovers, Sligo Rovers go to St. Patrick’s Athletic, Cork City welcome Bohemians and Drogheda United play host to Galway United.
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