WATERFORD FC vs ATHLONE TOWN
SSE AIRTRICITY FIRST DIVISION
FRIDAY 21ST APRIL 2023, 7.45PM KICK-OFF
I would like to welcome Gordon Brett, his players, staff and everyone with Athlone Town who have made the trip.
We’re hoping to get another big crowd to the RSC this evening and look to build on the last two home games.
Athlone Town will prove a very tough task for us, they had a good win against Cobh last weekend and they’ll be full of confidence.
They’ve got some really good attacking players, so we need to be on guard and really look after every aspect of our game tonight.
The vocal support from the stands is so important to the players – especially when you consider how young our team is. The profile of our squad is very young so it’s natural that mistakes will happen but hopefully once we build better cohesion, you will see improved performances.
We’ve had brilliant support so far and have the largest crowds in the division and we know how important it is. We’re working hard to create a bond between players and supporters as we look to accomplish our combined goals.
Last week was all about getting more points on the board and continuing a good run. We squandered chances and need to improve decision making, but it was tough against a team playing a low block.
We knew we needed to be patient and the players were and we deservedly got the goal.
As I said, we’re working hard on implementing these new ideas throughout the whole squad and they’ll take time, so we need everyone behind the team.
We’re already seeing plenty of growth and plenty of positives from the last few weeks from the players.
It’s a really young group and we’re grateful for all the brilliant support so far and can’t wait to get back on the pitch.
Enjoy the game.
Also known as: The Town
Manager: Gordon Brett
Home Ground:
Athlone Town Stadium
Distance travelled today: 184km
Colours: Blue & Black
Last year’s finish: 8th in First Division
NAME: BO SHERIDAN
AGE: 12
CLUB: WATERFORD CRYSTAL
FAVOURITE TEAM: WATERFORD FC
FAVOURITE PLAYER: DARRAGH POWER
Waterford FC defender Ryan Burke says the Blues are working hard to continue to improve performance after their 1-0 win against Kerry made it three successive victories.
The Dubliner joined the Blues ahead of the 2023 season and says patience was key to last week’s home win.
“I think we created a lot of chances in the first half, from set pieces and a couple from open play that we probably should have taken, and it would have been a whole different game but we didn’t take them chances
“It was a tough game in the end, but a 1-0 win is three points, same as a 5-0 win so three points is three points. It’s another clean sheet and something to build on with the performance. We’re happy with the three points.
“It’s frustrating in the game when things aren’t going your way and
you’re not taking your chances.
“You hear some frustration but it’s all about just keeping your patience and you know yourself that the goal is coming, so we knew that keeping our patience was the main thing to get the points.
“We know Galway haven’t dropped points yet and we’re trying to catch them, but we’re all focussed on ourselves at the moment, working to improve the performances.
“We’re a new group and new staff just after coming in too, so things will start to come together with performances and wins so it’s another big game against Athlone on Friday night.”
Good Evening all. A big welcome to the Athlone Town management, players and supporters to the RSC for this First Division clash.
Firstly, a big thanks to our 500+ members who joined the BSC this year. We had our Easter Egg day last Thursday for our Junior Blues members and we had a great day. A big thanks to Keith Long, Alan Reynolds, the management and all the squad. Also I would like to thank Mary, Debbie, Jean and Ray for all their help as this would not be possible with them.
We made a donation to the Waterford Food Bank last week on behalf of our BSC members, so thanks to all of them for making this possible. Finally, best of luck to Keith, Rennie, management and the squad tonight. Come on the Blues.
Martin Walker
All six Waterford FC Academy teams were in action across last weekend.
Both Womens National League sides were in action on Saturday and Sunday.
Our WU17s faced Cork City in SETU Arena and drew 1-1. Polly Redmond was on the scoresheet for the Blues
The WU19 team travelled to Ferrycarrig Park to face an experienced Wexford Youths team. Our newest Academy team played well throughout but four goals in the final 15 minutes.
Our Under-17 were in action away to Wexford FC drawing 1-1 - Zak O’Sullivan getting the Blues goal in the first half.
The Under-14s were in action in SETU Arena on Saturday winning 2-1 at home to CK United - goals from Bobby Keohan and Orion Cala.
Waterford FC Under-15s were in action against St Patrick’s Athletic on Sunday, falling to a 2-0 defeat despite a positive performance.
The Blues Under-19s fell to a 2-0 defeat at home to Cobh Ramblers on Sunday in SETU Arena.
Weekend Fixtures:
Saturday April 22nd
U14 away to UCD 2pm
U17 home to Bray Wanderers 2pm
Sunday April 23rd
U19 away to Galway United 2pm
WU19 away to Treaty United 2pm
WATERFORD FC -v- BRAY WANDERERS
WATERFORD FC -v- WEXFORD FC
WATERFORD FC -v- ATHLONE TOWN
HARPS -v- WATERFORD FC
WATERFORD FC -v- COBH RAMBLERS LONGFORD TOWN -v- WATERFORD FC
WATERFORD FC -v- WEXFORD FC
GALWAY UNITED -v- WATERFORD FC
KERRY FC -v- WATERFORD FC
WATERFORD FC -v- TREATY UNITED
Image Credit: Ken Sutton
