Waterford FC will be looking for their third win of the SSE Airtricity Premier Division when they make the long trip to the Showgrounds to take on Sligo Rovers for the first time since losing in the FAI Senior Cup semi-final back in 2009 on Friday night. Kick-off is 7.45pm.
The Blues have picked up two wins in the league to date and they’ll be looking to build on their recent performance against St. Patrick’s Athletic in the hope of making it win number three in what promises to be a difficult challenge.
Not since October 2007 have the two teams met in the Premier League under the Ben Bulben mountains when goals from Vinny Sullivan and Alan Mulcahy gave the Blues a 2-1 while the latest meeting between the sides in the cup in 2013 saw Sligo win 2-0 at the RSC.
Commenting ahead of the game, Waterford FC manager Alan Reynolds said, “It’s every Friday and Monday for the month of March starting with the trip to Sligo Rovers. I think that we’d prefer that then having to train like we have been so look we’ll prepare as best we can.
“I have spoken about one game at a time and that’s our aim. Sligo will be a very difficult game for us because they are a very good side. We have trained well this week after a few days off and we’re looking forward to the game.
“It’s going to be tough at the Showgrounds but I think that we go into the game with a confidence about ourselves and we have players that are just etching to get playing again after missing a couple of games.
“We played well against St. Pat’s but anyone that knows me will know that there’s things from that game that we need to improve on. We were excellent at times but I’d like to see us do it for long periods in the game but it’s all about winning so hopefully we can do that.”
Speaking ahead of the game, Waterford FC defender Garry Comerford said, “It’s good to be back in full training after missing a couple of days and we’re all looking forward to the game against Sligo Rovers. We know that it’s going to be a difficult game, but we’re focussed on it.
“We’re hoping to drive on from the result against St. Pat’s and try get another win under our belts. It was great to get over the disappointment of defeat against Cork City with a win against Pats. There is a good buzz about the place since that win, but we can’t get complacent now. We need to keep racking up the points.
“I think that it’s going to be crucial that we pick up points away and this is a good opportunity for us. It’s not going to be easy for Sligo either because they are going to have to come out and get three points as well. It’s a busy time for us because we have seven games in three weeks but we’ve trained hard and hopefully that will stand to us.”
TEAM NEWS: Blues manager Alan Reynolds looks set to be without the services of both Dean O’Halloran and Faysel Kasmi for the trip to Sligo Rovers. Both players are still recovering from ankle knocks that they picked up in recent weeks and are both doubtful to make it in time for Friday’s game.
