Waterford United  3 – 0  Wexford Youths

Waterford United got their 2010 League campaign off to a flying start at the RSC on Friday night, with a comprehensive 3-0 victory over an out-of-sorts Wexford Youths.

After a lively start, the Blues took an early lead through the in-form Vinny Sullivan. The tall striker continued his hot pre-season streak as he timed his run to perfection to pick up Timmy Purcell’s clever low through-ball into the area, and skipped around Packie Holden to roll home inside the near post on seven minutes. Purcell went close to setting up a second moments later when a viciously spinning cross from the right was almost diverted into his own net by David Breen, but Holden was alert to the danger.

The Youths did have an early sight of goal through a well struck 25-yard Shane Dempsey snap-shot, but in truth they were already struggling in the early exchanges when their task became well nigh impossible on 20 minutes, as Warren Broaders saw a straight red card for a two-footed lunge on Kevin Murray. Down to ten men and with both centre halves carrying knocks (Anthony Wolfe was not to see out the first period), the visitors’ defence was to be in for a torrid night, typified by Dean Broaders – no relation – backtracking to hurriedly hook a low Liam Kearney cross just over his own crossbar.

Minutes later Willie John Kiely almost got in on the end of a Purcell pass, but Holden was out bravely to save at his feet, and, with a swift restart, sent play up the other end where Wexford almost snatched an unlikely equaliser. Chris Konopka’s weak clearance fell to Gary Sheahan, but his quick return caught team mate Danny Furlong totally on the hop, and he couldn’t get the ball out from under his feet to shoot cleanly. The Blues reacted well to the wake up call, and Sullivan, Kevin Murray and Paul McCarthy all went close from close range before the half-time whistle.

Unchanged after the break, United weren’t long about doubling their advantage when, on the 54 minute mark, Kiely got onto the end of McCarthy’s neat ball down the left channel, skipped past Aidan McCann, and bore down on goal, foxing Holden into moving the wrong way and then clipping home at the near post. The Abbeyside striker could have doubled his tally almost immediately, as he sprung the offside trap onto a ball over the top, but in turn hooked it over his shoulder and the crossbar. Just on the hour, Kearney, giving an examplary performance, fired in a dangerous cross that a helpless Broaders was relieved to see deflect inches wide of his far post.

With United pushing on the feeling was that another goal was coming, and it duly arrived on 71 minutes, when sub David Grincell was brought crashing down in the box by McCann as he raced clear onto McCarthy’s slide rule pass, and Alan Carey stepped up to rifle home to the roof of the net from the spot. The Youths might have folded at that stage, but to their credit they kept trying to get forward, and created a couple of half chances for themselves late on: Jimmy Keohane firing over the top when well placed, and Furlong sending a looping header just wide of the far post, but it was United who looked most likely to score again.

Into the last ten minutes, great approach work from Kearney set up Grincell to force a fine close range block out of Holden, and then Sullivan ghosted in onto a magical reverse pass from the Conna man that disected the defence, but he shot narrowly wide of the far post. Right at the death Gary Dunphy came closest of all, as an immaculately struck 30-yard drive came crashing back off the crossbar, which really would have been a suitable way to cap an excellent opening team performance.

Waterford United: Chris Konopka; Alan Carey, John Hayes, Kevin Murray, Kevin Waters; Timmy Purcell (Gareth Cambridge 67), Paul McCarthy, Seamus Long (Gary Dunphy 80), Liam Kearney; Vinny Sullivan, Willie John Kiely (David Grincell 67) - subs: Paul Carey, James O’Sullivan

Goals: Sullivan 7, Kiely 54, A Carey 71 pen

Booked: Long

Wexford Youths: Packie Holden, Anthony Russell, Warren Broaders, David Breen, Anthony Wolfe (Aidan McCann 36), Patsy Malone (Chris Kenny 78), Dean Broaders, Shane Dempsey, Danny Furlong (Lee Aust 85), Gary Sheahan, Jimmy Keohane – subs: Pa Doyle, John Byrne

Booked: Furlong, Russell, McCann

Sent Off: W Broaders 21

In the new-look programme for the new season:

Brendan White surveys the task ahead for United,

Brian Kennedy looks back on, em, a version of football history,

Bluebeard explains the origins of part of his moniker,

Tom Flynn talks to one Blues hero,

and Niall Doherty looks back on the career of another.

All this and the usual mix of news and information in this Friday night’s match programme!

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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)

Waterford United’s final match of their pre-season programme will now be against Sporting Fingal this Saturday, Feb 27th.

Originally down to play Cork City, that club’s demise left a gap to be filled, and the Ravens came to the rescue last night, providing strong Premier Division opposition, and one final stern test, before the season kicks off in earnest next weekend.

As arrangements were already in place, the game will go ahead in Cahir on Saturday at 3.00pm.

Meanwhile, the Blues enjoyed a comfortable 6-0 victory over a West Waterford / East Cork League selection at Tallow last night.

In a somewhat one-sided first half, the league XI gifted United a two own-goal head start, firstly as a centre back headed a cross to his own net under pressure from Willie John Kiely, and then, in ‘what happened next?’ fashion, when the Abbeyside hitman struck the inside of the post with a rasping low drive, the ball flying across the goal line, cannoning back out off the inside of the other post, to rebound off an inrushing defender and nestle in the net. A hat-trick for Vinny Sullivan, the first capping a flowing nine pass move, and the third set up with a neat ball over the top from Kiely, meant the Blues were five up at half time.

A better display from the home side after the break saw things tightened up considerably. Kevin Burns, deputising for the League selection in the second 45, pulled off a fine save from Kevin Waters’ 30-yard drive, before making way for Josh Byrne to see out the match between the sticks. Late on sub Gary Keane made it six to wrap up the scoring for the Blues.

Team: Chris Konopka; Alan Carey, John Hayes (Paul Carey 60), Kevin Murray, John Kearney (Paul McCarthy 45); Timmy Purcell (Gareth Cambridge 65), Seamus Long, James O’Sullivan (Gary Dunphy 45), Liam Kearney (Kevin Waters 65); Willie John Kiely (Gary Keane 75), Vinny Sullivan (David Grincell 70)

Kevin Burns & Josh Byrne split the 2nd half for the League selection.

At a well attended event at the Munster Bar last night, Morris’ DIY, based in the city, were the first name out of the drum for the second time in as many years, as they secured their place on the back of the 2010 Waterford United shirt.

20 local businesses took part in the draw, and each received a player sponsorship as just one part of the package, the full list is below. A huge, huge thanks to every business that took part in the event, a great show of support in these tough times.

Chris Konopka           Azzurri
Alan Carey                  Perennial Freight
David Grincell           Great Stuff Catering
Gareth Cambridge   McDonalds
John Kearney            Alpha Web Design
Kevin Murray            Tom O’Brien Construction
Kevin Waters             John Thompson Funeral Director
Paul McCarthy          Fitzpatrick’s Manor Lodge Restaurant
Vinny Sullivan           Beautyteam.ie
Willie John Kiely       Snap Printing
Liam Kearney            Clem Jacob Hire
Gary Dunphy              FLI Environmental
Seamus Long              Paul O’Neill Construction
Josh Byrne                  In House
Paul Carey                   Sully’s Snooker Hall
James O’Sullivan       Nivea For Men
John Hayes                  Tower Hotel
Timmy Purcell           Gregory’s Clothes For Men
Kevin Burns                 The Star
Gary Keane                  Morris’ DIY

Waterford United today completed three more signings, as John Hayes, James O’Sullivan and Gary Keane are added to the squad to take the total up to 20 players. The trio all signed deals that will run until the end of the 2010 season.

Blues fans will be delighted to see the return of John Hayes after a year’s leave of absence. Prior to this the popular defender had been with the club since signing from Waterford Bohs in 2004, though he had short loan spells at Kilkenny and Cobh. Versatile in defence, he is comfortable both at right back and his favoured centre back position, as well as defensive midfield. Solid in the tackle and a good reader of the game, John is always prepared to give everything for the cause, and he has put in many inspirational performances in the blue shirt.

Gary Keane moves up from the U-20 ranks this season, on the back of some fine performances last year, where he stood out as having the build and explosive power for the hurly-burly of the League of Ireland, as well as the talent with the ball at his feet. Quick and lively, and with a natural flair for the game, he can play equally as well up front or in midfield.

An attack-minded midfielder of enormous potential, James O’Sullivan is the most recent addition to the Blues fold, joining only last week from Clonmel Town, and playing his first game for United in the recent friendly with St. Pat’s. The Blues are delighted with the acquisition, as the highly rated Tipperary player has been attracting much interest from several quarters, including Pat Fenlon at Bohemians.

Waterford United  0 – 0  St Patrick’s Athletic

Waterford United played out a scoreless draw against Premier division opponents St Patrick’s Athletic at the RSC today, in what was another very valuable work out in their fourth pre-season match.

The brilliant sunshine wasn’t matched by a somewhat lacklustre opening period, with both teams sounding each other out a touch cagily at first. And as the half progressed it was the visitors who were having the lion’s share of the chances, the best of those falling to Alex Williams who early on headed wide at the far post, and Dave Mulcahy who pulled a low shot a yard beyond the left post from 12 yards out. The Blues for their part put together some neat approaches at times, but rarely caused much trouble for Gary Rogers in the Saints goal.

It was a more effective United side that came out for the second half though, and early on a neat move across the park saw Kevin Waters chip to the back post only for Vinny Sullivan to head wide. The best chance for the home team came in the 74th minute, however, as a scramble from an attacking throw in saw Willie John Kiely’s stabbed centre cross the area for Timmy Purcell, who just failed to connect a few yards out from the far post.

That was it for the chances, and the game finished scoreless, but a very useful run-out for the Blues, and a big confidence boost for the players, not least John Hayes who put in a fine performance at centre half in his first game in some time.

Blues: Chris Konopka (Kevin Burns 72); Alan Carey, John Hayes, Kevin Murray, John Kearney; Paul Carey (Timmy Purcell h/t), Gary Dunphy (Seamus Long 61), Paul McCarthy (James Sullivan 66), Liam Kearney (Kevin Waters h/t); Vinny Sullivan (Gary Keane 72), David Grincell (Willie John Kiely h/t)

Booked: J Kearney

Saints: Gary Rogers (Paul Hunt 75), Damien Lynch, Shane Guthrie, Conor Kenna, Ian Bermingham (Derek Pender h/t); Ryan Guy (Brian Cash 66), Dave Mulcahy (David McAllister 66), Stuart Byrne (Conor Sinnott 72), Gareth Coughlan (Derek Doyle 66); Alex Williams, Vinny Faherty (Paul Byrne 72)

Booked: Pender

Waterford United take on St Patrick’s Athletic at the RSC this Saturday (kick-off 3.00pm) in what is their only pre-season friendly at the RSC ahead of the new season.

The Blues saw off the illustrious Inchicore club at the second attempt in last season’s FAI Cup of course, and there has been a great history between the two sides down the years, not least the 1980 Cup Final!

Pre-season is going well for United, and the three matches to date have provided some excellent work outs for the lads, so why not come along and run the rule over the 2010 version of the squad before the season begins in earnest.

Admission is just €5 for adults, and children are free.

Waterford United will kick off the 2010 league season with a local derby against Wexford Youths at the RSC.

The fixture list, released just moments ago, pits the Southeast rivals against each other on the opening weekend (Friday March 5th KO 7.45pm) , and adds a second high-profile home match with the visit of Derry City to the RSC for the third match of the programme, on Friday March 19th. In between, the Blues will play either Bray Wanderers or Cork City away, dependant on the decision of the licencing committee next week.

Two away trips to Galway follow, first to league newcomers Salthill Devon at their Drom ground, and then to Terryland Park to face Mervue United, before returning to the RSC to face Limerick on April 9th. The Blues face a long trip to Monaghan United on April 16th, but the following week they have Finn Harps at home, as a relatively kind draw sees them make the two longest trips of the season (to Harps and Derry) only once.

The first series is completed with Longford Town away, Athlone Town at home, and finally Shelbourne at Tolka Park.

The full fixture list can be studied at lenght here!

Waterford United’s third pre-season match ended in defeat to Tramore AFC at Graun Park tonight, though the Blues will be less interested in the result, and more in the superb match they were given by the in-form Seasiders, with the league opener fast approaching.

United were forced into an early, and as it turned out hugely significant, alteration before a ball was kicked, when Josh Byrne was asked to deputise in goal for Tramore, who had lost their ‘keeper to injury at the weekend. An outstanding performance from Byrne, behind a staunch home defence, kept United at bay for the entire first half. Superb saves from Paul McCarthy, Willie John Kiely, McCarthy again, and an astonishing one-hander from Gary Dunphy, kept the home goal intact. At the other end, Chris Konopka was quickly out to smother Christopher Grace’s close-range effort early on, but he was powerless to prevent Grace slamming home a header at the far post from Leigh Quilty’s right-wing cross on the stroke of half time.

The second half (which saw the home team come out in their yellow kit for reasons unknown) began with the Blues quickly on the attack again. McCarthy’s strong drive was deflected just over, and from Kevin Waters’ resulting corner kick, Seamus Long crashed a header off the near post with Byrne rooted. Unfortunately for the Blues, shortly afterwards, on 52 minutes, a slight lapse in midfield concentration saw them slip further behind, as Colin Walsh got free down the left and centred low for Micheal Downey to stab home on the run from eight yards out.

The Blues finally got their rally underway when Vinny Sullivan pulled one back on 77 minutes, taking David Grincell’s chipped pass expertly, and turning to lash his volley past Byrne from 12 yards out. United kept up the pressure, but the Tramore defence proved impossible to break down again, and Byrne produced one more save of real quality when he somehow turned Water’s 20-yard drive around his right post.

So it remained 2-1 to the Seasiders, but for the Blues, in truth, it was more about the test they were given by a superb Tramore side, by far the sternest of the pre-season to date. For the fans too, it was nice to see so many former Blues on the opposing side, including David Breen who was guesting for the Seasiders on the night.

Tramore AFC: Josh Byrne, Ross Douglas (Colin Walsh h/t), Craig Maher (Evan Connolly 72), Stephen Grant, Michael Grant (David Breen 43), Martin Whelan (John Butler h/t), Francis Rockett, Robbie Phelan, Chris Grace (Micheal Downey h/t), Leigh Quilty (Sean Browne h/t), Joe Watson (Michael Kavanagh h/t)

Waterford United: Chris Konopka; Paul Carey (Alan Carey h/t), Kevin Murray, Seamus Long, Kevin Waters; Timmy Purcell (John Kearney h/t), Gary Dunphy (Gary Keane 62), Paul McCarthy, Liam Kearney; Willie John Kiely (David Grincell h/t), Vinny Sullivan – subs not used: John Hayes, Gareth Cambridge