Waterford United  2 – 0  Kildare County

Waterford United wrapped up their last home game of the 2009 season with a facile 2-0 victory over Kildare County, and in fact should have won by a much greater margin, as some of their efforts on goal had even the protagonists smiling. The game lost any significance it might have had when Sporting Fingal’s win at Mervue United the previous evening made certain of the Blues’ 4th placed finish, but no doubt, had that game gone our way, the finishing on Saturday would have been somewhat more clinical.

With both Graham Cummins and David Grincell out through suspension, the Blues fielded both remaining strikers in an orthodox 4-4-2, but the first half quickly became a litany of missed chances, as the front men couldn’t convert some really rather excellent approach play, specially from the right side combination of Alan Carey and Paul Walsh. Just one minute in, Vinny Sullivan struck low after Willie John Kiely had chested down Walsh’s cross into his path, but Darren Kelly made a fine low save. And almost immediately at the other end, Trevor Bowers took advantage of Kenny Browne’s slip to race in and shoot low across Michael Devine, forcing another good save, low to his right. It was to be a rare foray forward for the visitors, however, as the Blues laid seige to the Kildare goal for most of the game.

On six minutes, Kevin Waters did well to get a reverse volley on target after a corner was punched clear, only for Liam Tiernan to head off the line. Three minutes later Gary Dunphy was set clear by Carey, but he pulled his low shot inches wide of the far post. On 14 minutes, Sullivan did brilliantly to advance into the box and take the ball around the last man, but he too pulled his shot wide of the far post. Sullivan then tried his luck with an audacious overhead lob, but didn’t quite put enough on it, and it was easy for Kelly.

On 20 minutes Kildare once more had a sight of goal, Bowers drilling in a free kick from 20 yards which rebounded off Devine’s chest, but was gathered at the second attempt. Ten minutes later the Blues missed their best chance thus far, as Sullivan was sent clear down the right channel by Walsh, waited for Kiely to find space before squaring low, only to see his strike partner drive it straight at Kelly from 6 yards out. Dunphy and David Jackson then exchanged long range efforts that tested the respective goalkeepers’ handling, before United posted the last attempt just before the half time whistle sounded, as Kiely, haring goalwards after being set clear down the left, shot across the face of goal, a fraction ahead of the inrushing Sullivan.

The second half began with the Blues pushing harder than ever, and within the first ten minutes missed three further opportunities. Kiely squandered a great chance to steal in as he was caught on his heels after great interplay between John Kearney, Waters and Sullivan, then Kearney himself went close to the near post with a long range effort that had Kelly struggling, and finally Sullivan missed a sitter of a header from six yards out after a fine cross from the left back. Kiely and Sullivan then saw a brace of chances each go a-begging as the home side poured forwards. Kiely’s last miss took place moments before his withdrawal, but his replacement Dave Warren wasn’t any luckier, as within seconds of his arrival he somehow contrived to shoot wide from six yards when the ball dropped nicely for him in a goalmouth scramble. Four minutes later though, the deadlock was finally broken, and the relief was palpable as Kevin Murray met Warren’s left sided corner 12 yards out with a towering header which flashed passed Sullivan and Kelly and inside the left post.

The impressive Walsh, now up front with Sullivan, was next to go close, making a great run into the box after being set clear from midfield, but crowded out at the last second. He was to play a pivotal role in the 88th minute second goal though, as was debutant referee Stuart Templeman, who got it spot on as Sullivan moved onto Walsh’s deft lay-off, knocking it over the top and running on to his own ball as Walsh, now in an offside position, stood stock still and let play continue around him. With the referee correctly waving play on, Sullivan gleefully moved in on goal, rounded Kelly and tapped home for a deserved score.

That was it then, the Blues at least ending their home programme on a positive note, and with just one fixture remaining to fulfill this year, at champions-elect UCD next Saturday. A disappointing end to a season that promised so much, but better news with the announcement before the game that Stephen Henderson has committed himself to the helm for another year. Preparations for 2010′s promotion-winning season start now!

Waterford United: Michael Devine; Alan Carey, Kevin Murray, Kenny Browne, John Kearney; Paul Walsh, Gary Dunphy (Kieran Fitzgerald 82), Seamus Long (Stephen Grant 91), Kevin Waters; Willie John Kiely (Dave Warren 70), Vinny Sullivan – subs: Kevin Burns, Declan Woodgate

Goals: Murray 74, Sullivan 88

Booked: Kearney, Kiely

Kildare County: Darren Kelly (Sean Geoghegan 84), Keith Walsh (Pierce O’Connor 84), Eoin Powderly, Liam Tiernan, Davy Byrne, Craig Purcell (John Cashin 84), Christy Doran, David Jackson, Colm Daly, Philly Hughes, Trevor Bowers – subs: Colin Coleman, Cathal Brady

Booked: Bowers

Referee: Stuart Templeman (Kerry)