With just nine league matches to go, Waterford FC host second placed Derry City in the League of Ireland Premier Division tonight, August 23rd at 7.45pm.
The Blues come into the fixture off the back of a controversial FAI cup tie versus Athlone Town in which defender Darragh Leahy was shown a first half red card which was later rescinded, making the Dubliner available for Friday night's fixture.
Waterford Manager Keith Long was also shown the line by the referee after Waterford were denied an added time winner before the match went to extra time as it appeared Waterford had bundled the ball over the line from a corner.
Attention now remains solely on the league with the Blues in a fight for the European places.
Waterford come into the fixture versus the Candystripes with just two wins from their previous five outings. However, they came away with all three points in their last league encounter in dramatic fashion, overturning a two goal deficit against Bohemians at Dalymount Park.
Derry on the other hand make the trip to the south east with only one loss in their previous five in the league and the chance to end the night top of the League of Ireland Premier Division.
In the three meetings between the sides this season, the Candystripes have come away with all three points on each occassion.
A win for Waterford would see them go to just three points behind the second placed side.
Blues Manager Keith Long is aware of the task his young squad faces.
“Derry is a massive game for us. They’ve beaten us well in all three games. The aggregate score is 8-0. When you consider that we’ve lost twice up there 3-0 and lost here 0-2 at home. We know Derry have a squad full of talented players. They’re seasoned professionals and they’re men. We’ve got the youngest squad in the country.”
Niall O’Keeffe misses out due to an ankle injury as do Kyle White and Sam Sargeant who remain injured. Kacper Skwierzcynski is out due to illness.
A big crowd is expected as tickets for the match are on sale at a reduced rate of 50%.
Midfielder Barry Baggley believes the fans have a massive role to play on the night.
“Hopefully a great turnout, that’s exactly what we need in big games like this. The fans need to get right behind us. They’re the ones that are going out and push us on and give us that extra one or two per cent in the end of the game and hopefully push us on to get a win.”
We'll have live updates on air this evening thanks to Ray Scott.
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