The Waterford ladies' footballers go in search of their first win of 2024 on Sunday.
In their two games to date, Pat Sullivan's side have been left to rue missed opportunities, losing away to Armagh and Kerry.
The game with Armagh saw the visitors chasing the game following two first-half goals for the home side and despite the efforts of goal-getter Lauren McGregor, the Déíse were never able to close the gap to their hosts.
Last weekend in Killarney, Waterford got off to the best possible start when Captain Kelly Ann Hogan raised a green flag inside the first minute before turning provider for Mairéad O'Brien who goaled shortly after.
Level at the break, Waterford were punished by the 2023 All-Ireland runners-up with Player of The Year Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh kicking 1.04 in a 23-minute cameo off the bench to help her side to a 2.11 to 2.05 victory.
"Overall we have to look at the bigger picture. We had a super performance; the application, the work rate, and our detail to our own process was super. We really put Kerry on the back foot for the first fifty minutes of that game," said Manager Pat Sullivan.
"I think there was about 52 minutes gone in the game, we were a point up and like everything, I suppose, they have the firepower and their experience really helped them get over the line in the finish. I think they finished with something like thirteen of their All-Ireland fifteen from last year so they had massive guns to bring on."
That Kerry firepower helped turn the tide in favour of the home team, especially in the second half. The hosts outscored Waterford 1.06 to 0.03 after the break with Ni Mhuircheartaigh's 1.04 doing most of the damage.
The result leaves Waterford bottom of the Division One table, with no points on the board to date. Dublin and Galway are in a similar spot, without a win in their two opening games.
The challenge doesn't get any easier this weekend when recent All-Ireland Champions Meath come to Fraher Field. The Royal County have won their two opening games against Mayo and Dublin, sending them joint top with Kerry on six points.
Throw in on Sunday is at 2 o'clock in Fraher Field.
