Munster Express: Waterford v Kerry League report

Waterford United began their own tour of Ireland on Friday last as they travelled to Tralee to play the Kerry League in what was the first ever Under 21 eircom League game to be played in the Kingdom.

For many years there has been a move to get a team from Kerry into the National League and it would appear to be only a matter of time before that happens. The introduction of Under 21 National football in Kerry is the first step to actually taking full scale league football to the Kingdom.

Friday's game was the first stop for a Waterford club who were facing up to an extremely busy week. They departed from Tralee early on Saturday morning and made their way to Newbridge for the 1st Division Cup game with Kildare County. On Thursday it's a trip to Derry for a 3rd Round FAI Cup game at the Brandywell.

The Waterford United party will return to Waterford on Friday morning. Friday's match in Tralee was an historic one and many top ranking officials from the FAI and eircom League were present at the game. The Blues manager Jimmy McGeough enjoyed the experience of taking a team to Kerry for the first ever time.

''It was a nice experience and the game itself was full of entertaining football. Both sides created lots of chances and the only surprising fact was the match finished scoreless. The pitch was a little heavy but both sides played very well.''

Waterford United won the Under 21 league and cup double last season and they will be happy with the point won in Tralee.

Fennelly on form
The game was full of inventive football from the opening whistle and Waterford players Ross Cosgrove, Francis Rockett and Gavin Phelan shows some good touches during the first half and the visitors were somewhat unlucky not to go in at half time leading.

However on the stroke of half time the Waterford goalkeeper Anthony Fennelly saved brilliantly from David Conway. The Kerry striker let fly from the edge of the area but Fennelly somehow managed to tip Conway's shot around the upright.

The second half followed the same pattern as the first and during the final five minutes Anthony Fennelly pulled off two more superb saves. Overall this was a very worthwhile outing for both sides and we will keep an eye out for the future of soccer in Kerry

The Waterford United Under 21 team in Tralee on Friday last was as follows: Anthony Fennelly, Damien Driver, Paul Leahy, Stephen Ryan, Kevin O'Brien, Richie Lopes, Ross Cosgrove, Francis Rockett, Wayne Fitzgerald, Gavin Phelan, Joe Wilson.