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Team Bulletin
Waterford United v Wexford Youths at the RSC
Friday, March 5th, 2010 (KO 7.45pm)
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Match Preview: 
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Waterford United get the 2010 season underway with a local derby against Wexford Youths at the RSc this Friday night (KO 7.45pm).

After a fruitful pre-season, the Blues are anxious to hit the ground running when the campaign starts in earnest, and ultimately improve on last year when, still fighting on all fronts, they just ran out of steam in the closing stages. Manager Stephen Henderson is confident his new-look United side is set up to do just that. Though Michael Devine, Kenny Browne and Graham Cummins have headed out the RSC gates in the close season, the squad has been boosted by the arrivals of Chris Konopka, John Hayes, Gareth Cambridge, Timmy Purcell and Liam Kearney. With 16 goals scored and three conceded in their six games in the warm-up, the gaffer is happy with the standards set so far.
 
Waterford have a good record against the next-door neighbours, with five wins and two draws in their eight competitive meetings to date. However, they won’t need reminding that the one loss to the Slaneysiders came in the most recent match at the RSC, in May 2009, and, added to the scoreless encounter at Ferrycarrig in September, is evidence that the ever-improving Youths will provide a stern opening test for the home team.
 
Henderson will have to plan without influential full back John Kearney, serving a carry-over suspension from last season. Midfielder Paul MCarthy has been carrying an ankle knock during the week, but is expected to be fit.

Henderson Quotes: 
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“Our pre-season was excellent, the lads worked extremely hard, and we feel they are at their maximum fitness levels with the exception of a couple who either came in late or picked up injuries.”

“We feel we have competition for places in all areas, and this should give the lads who currently have the starting jerseys the incentive to perform every week.”
“Football managers will always be judged on what they achieved, not what they nearly achieved, so last season was not a success in my eyes.”
“Being so close to winning so many different competitions last season has left us very determined to do it right this time.”
“We need to start the season well and improve on our home form from last year.”

Suspensions & Injuries:
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Suspensions:
John Kearney – 1 match (8 yellow cards)
 
Injuries:
Paul McCarthy – ankle, very slight doubt

Top Scorers (Pre-Season):
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7 – Vinny Sullivan
2 – Paul McCarthy
1 – Alan Carey
1 – Gary Keane
1 – Kevin Murray
1 – Timmy Purcell
1 – Willie John Kiely
(& 2 own goals)

Recent Form (Pre-Season):
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Last Match:
Sporting Fingal    1 – 3    Waterford United
                                  (Sullivan, A Carey, McCarthy)
 
Form (Pre-Season):
WWLDWW

Head-to-Head:
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04 Sep 09   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    0 – 0
30 May 09   L   Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 2
13 Mar 09   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    0 – 1
19 Sep 08   L   Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 0
18 Jul 08     L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford United    1 – 1
09 May 08   L   Waterford Youths  v  Wexford Youths    1 – 0
07 Mar 08   L   Wexford Youths  v  Waterford Youths    1 – 2
02 Apr 07   LC  Waterford United  v  Wexford Youths    3 – 0

Betting:
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Waterford: 1/2
Wexford: 13/5
Draw: 5/1

Results This Pre-Season:
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27 Feb 10     a     Sporting Fingal  1 – 3  Waterford United
24 Feb 10     a     West Waterford / East Cork League XI  0 – 6  Waterford United
20 Feb 10     h     Waterford United  0 – 0  St Patrick’s Athletic
17 Feb 10     a     Tramore AFC  2 – 1  Waterford United
10 Feb 10     a     Cork Oscar Traynor XI  0 – 3  Waterford United
06 Feb 10     a     Tralee Dynamos  0 – 3  Waterford United

Next 6 Matches:
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10 Mar 10     a     Cork City (ALFD)
19 Mar 10     h     Derry City (ALFD)
27 Mar 10     a     Salthill Devon (ALFD)
03 Mar 10     a     Mervue United (ALFD)
09 Mar 10     h     Limerick FC (ALFD)
16 Mar 10     a     Monaghan United (ALFD)