Enjoyable game in the RSC between Dundalk and Waterford despite it being dead rubber.
There was a classy reception by all at Waterford to the new Champions. The fact that Waterford have qualified for Europe meant there was a celebratory feel to the entire stadium.
Once the game started, Waterford got stuck in. It was a surprisingly physical game and despite the pitch looking great, it took both sets of players some time to get used to the slippery surface. Waterford were neat and tidy in midfield, but lacked pace to trouble the Dundalk defence. They appeared to rely on long balls to Akinade, who pulled over to the wing to challenge Massey. Despite his massive height advantage, Akinade did very little.
The most fascinating part of the game for me was the head to head between McEleney and Hery. There appeared to be a personal duel between the two of them as to who could dribble past the other more times. Midfield battles in LOI normally involve physicality, but this was pure football. Watching those two was worth the long drive there and back.
