Blues Aim For Silverware

The Last Word by Brendan White

(first published in the May 2009 Mervue United programme)

Waterford United will hope to bring silverware home after making it to the final of this year’s Munster Senior Cup. The Blues last won the trophy 2 years ago, for the first time since 1986-87. Last season Cork city reclaimed the trophy, which they have won 10 times out of the last 12.

The Blues’ participation in this year’s cup began at the quarter final stage, drawn at home against Douglas Hall, who had beaten Ballynanty 1-0 to make it to the quarter finals. An excellent performance from United ensured a 2-0 victory, with the goals coming from new signing John Kearney and Joe Mulcahy.

Next round, the Blues were on the road, with a short trip to Clonmel Town. They overcame a determined Town side in the semi-final at Dr Pat O’Callaghan Park. David Grincell was the star of the show, bagging himself a brace. One of the younger Blues players, Declan Woodgate was given his chance, and he took it with both hands, putting in a man of the match performance. Grincell, also back in the line-up, glanced an exquisite header to put United ahead from a Woodgate corner. Having conceded an equalising goal, the Blues quickly regained the lead. Grincell popping up to slot home a Woodgate cross. Waterford held on for the win and now face Rockmount in Munster Senior Cup Final at Turner’s Cross.

The Munster Senior Cup has allowed Stephen Henderson to give fringe players a chance to shine. Kevin Burns, Declan Woodgate, Paul Carey and Joe Mulcahy all started the game and all game time they receive will be a positive. With Declan Woodgate’s man of the match performance and David Grincell grabbing 2 goals, Stephen Henderson will have some welcome selection problems, with fierce competition now for places.