I thought it was a good game wouldn't go as far as saying "great game". Purely because it was a poor defence display from us. We just didn't turn up tonight, some players seemed to be very sloppy while on the ball others like OConnor whom is usually one of our top preformers wasn't really in the game. At times we looked looked like we didn't know how to pass the ball, heap of times players made a balls of a simple 10 yard pass seemed to panic while we had the ball at times.
Blues started with a very inexperienced defence including the keeper average age was 19, we lacked leadership at the back and i was surprised to see Kavanagh and Burns not start as Kavanagh is our best defender has experience also has a good partnership with Delaney. Burns been dropped from on goal has really surprised me considering in the 10 league games he's played he kept 6 clean sheets and he's second half performance in Galway prevented us from getting a hammering.
We were poor tonight deserved nothing from the game but longford arent anything special either. Our defence has been our best part of the team this year but tonight was the defences worst display of the season - very sloppy, any time defenders were on the ball they seemed nervous and very uncomfortable. Kavanagh came on at half time and steadied the ship at the back we then seemed to be comfortable.
Early on Waterford should of had a penalty when Vinny ran through and was clipped just inside the box. Longford went straight up and scored, goal finish from O Sullivan but he was giving way to much time and space. We scored through a clever ran from Doherty and i was surprised we equalised because we were playing so bad. Longfords second goal was again was a very good finish but O Sullivan was again given a lot of time and space to get he's shot off from the edge of the area. Longford went in 2-1 up at half time and we were lucky it wasn't a higher lead. Then again had the ref made the right decision for the penalty it wouldn't of seen Longford go a goal up so early. Despite the poor referring decision Longford deserved their lead. Half time Blues brought on Kavanagh and Willie Jon.
Second wasn't the best neither were playing particularly good football, Waterford tried on a number of occasions by the high pressure by the Longford players caused our players to boot it clear. We should of got it down on the ground as any time we did we caused a bit of trouble and put the longford defence under pressure but we didn't unfortunately and it wasn't done enough, which was annoying as possession is been wasted and the players are well capable of doing so. There weren't too many chances for either side in the second half. Drohan for Waterford had the worst shot of the game when he hit a volley on the edge of the box about 25 yards wide. Drohan isn't up the LOI standard puts his all into every game but he's a winger and he's final ball is awful and he's very limited with what he can do. Strangely Doherty was taken off and an Drohan stayed on the pitch as Doherty was probably our biggest threat. We were unlucky not to make it 2-2 midway through the second half when Speedys shot from outside the area hit the cross bar then think it was O Connor eent for the rebounder to early.Before the equaliser the Longford keeper kicked the ball at Doherty while he stood outside the box with he's back turned and the ref booked Doherty and gave a free out, as a result Waterford got the ball won a free out wide where it was crossed for Willie Jon to equalise. I question as to why the free was given. We pushed for a winner after the equaliser unfortunately didn't get take our chances and couldn't beat the first man with a few crosses with had. But my word what a goal to win the game Nikolouo (Whatever it's spelt) but again he was giving time and space like the previous two goals to get he's shot away and while under no pressure curled the ball from 30 yards out, from out wide into the top corner.
Though we had nicked a point an all. Ah well.
Playing 4-5-1 at home, leaving experienced defender whom is the teams best on the bench, burns having had a good season surprised he didn't start either. Willie Jon Kiely is the teams best goalscorer yet we play Vinny Sullivan up on hes own. Not sure management know their best team which is a factor in our inconsistency.
Good atmosphere, Longford fans weren't too noisy, quite for a lot of the game also expected few more down.
Overall we simply didn't play as well as we can do and didn't deserve anything from the game. Going into the game i expected us to play a lot better as we've played good ball passed few games and last time in Longford we were very comfortable on the ball and the defence dealt with anything put to them.
Next up is Cobh at home followed by Shamrock Rovers B away. Massive games six points needed to stay in with a shout for the play offs.
Personal I see the top three been Shels Galway and Longford. We're simply not consistent enough nor are we scoring many so I'd be surprised to see our very young team in the top three come the end the season.
Seen somewhere attendance was 525. Isn't bad considering we've only won two games at home in the league.
