Sligo back to winning ways

Match report

Waterford United 0-2 Sligo Rovers

 

Waterford made a three changes to their team for this game from their last outing against Athlone Town in their 1-0 win. David Breen came into replace Gavin Kavanagh at Centre Back, Kavanagh was said to have mist out due to illness , Dylan Mernagh came back into the team to replace Francis Rocket at Right Full Back. Aidan McGrath replaced Ben Ryan at Right Midfield. Centre Seamus Long received he's second red card of the season in he's last outing League outing against Athlone and he was able to play this game as red cards in league games means the player will receive their suspension in the next league game.

Sligo made a three changes to the team that played Dundalk. Alan Keane and Ross Gaynor replaced in the defence by Seamus Conneely and Iarfhlaith Davoren. Joesph Ndo was replaced by Kieran Djilali. Anthony Elding also received a red card against Dundalk but was also able to play in this game.

Sligo had got off to the better start by forcing Waterford backwards and worked their way forward by passing the ball around nicely. Waterford had got the ball from Sligo and played nice passing football from their half to the Sligo penalty area. A Sligo player went down injured and Waterford players played on until Sligo had won the ball back and it was put out of play which was met by boos from the Waterford fans in frustration of not getting what looked like a clear penalty. As Paul Qulity had received the ball just inside the Sligo penalty area and last man Iarfhlaith Davoren went through the back of Paul Qulity taking him out but the referee waved play on. As Waterford had started to get into the game they had created the first chance of the game where Jack Doherty's cross was met by Dylnn Mernagh who's header was saved by Gary Rodgers at he's near post. Sligo were forced into making an early change when Raf Cretaro had to go off injured and Liam Martin was he's replacement of 18 minutes. On 21 minutes Sligo took the lead in some what controversial circumstances as it appeared when the Sligo player had run out of play with the ball which was then brought back in and hit of a Waterford player and the referee gave a corner to Sligo when it looked as if it should of been a goal kick. When the corner was taken Waterford had two attempts to clear the ball but had failed to clear both times giving Danny Ventre time to turn and hit to ball towards goal and scored beating keeper Craig Hyland at he's near post. Despite going a goal down the home fans sang louder. Then Waterford pushed for an equaliser and looked like they may have got one when Paul Qulity was played through on goal but Rodgers rushed from he's goal getting none of the ball and looked as if he had taken Paul Qulity out but once again referee had waved play on. Just after the half hour mark with some nice football from Waterford where Michael Coady,Jack Doherty and Kevin O'Connor combining together to create a golden chance for Vincent Sullivan but he's shot was hit straight at Rodgers. Many felt if Sullivan went for the back post he would of scored. With Waterford on top they had created the better chances but failed to make any of them count. Waterford keeper Craig Hyland all game was struggling to kick the ball and then around the 40 minute mark he mis-kicked he's clearence putting the ball towards Aaron Greene where Hyland leaped towards the ball where Greene went to ground and as a result Greene was given a yellow card and a free out to Hyland. It was dangerious play by Hyland who could easliy have given away a penalty or could of conceded but fortunatly the decision went in he's favour. As the game was approaching half time Hyland again made a mistake by dropping a straight forward catch but luckily got to the ball ahead of Sligo forward Anthony Elding. It looked as if the last attack of the Half would be by Waterford as they went forward in numbers , but lost the ball and Dylan Mernagh found himself out of position and as a result Sligo counter attacked and scored. Aaron Greene crossed the ball for Anthony Elding to shot from 10 yards out but it looked as if Elding may of been offside.

As the second half began neither team made any changes. Sligo were passing the ball around the half way line for the majority of the second half with the Waterford players looking like they were struggling to get the ball and the energy showed in the first half was no longer there. Waterford's first change of the game was made with 30 minutes remaining with a double change where Ben Ryan replaced Vincent Sullivan and Conor Coad replaced Kevin O'Connor. Jack Dothery was moved up front along side Paul Qulity and Ben Ryan played on the left wing and Conor Coad slotted into the middle of the field. With 20 minutes remaining Ryan was played through on goal and he had Doherty beside him but he tired to lob Rodgers from 35 yards and he's attempt went wide. If Ryan had taken it on Waterford may of went of and scored. With 15 minutes remaining Sigo made their second change of the game, Alan Keane coming on to replace Seamus Conneely at Left Full Back. Shortly after Anthony Elding was played through on goal and Hyland touched the ball away from Elding and Elding's resulting shot was saved and put out for a corner that was cleared by the Waterford defence. With under 15 minutes remaining young winger Aidan McGrath was replaced by Peter Higgins who was a doubt before the game.Sligo fans seemed  when Danny North came on for the remaining 5 minutes after spending a long period of time on the sidelines. Sligo had another chance to make it 3-0 that looked easier to score then miss as the ball was hit with pace across the box and Sligo player in the six yard box headed over the bar in front of an open goal. Waterford pushed late on to get one back with some nice play again between Doherty and Qulity which resulted in a great save by Rodgers in the Sligo goal. There were three miutes added on at the end of the second half and no more chances were created.

Overall Sligo were deserved winners but weren't giving an easy game by the first divsion side.For the home fans it could be said if they play like this more often in the league then they may put a run of wins together and challenge for the play off places. There was some positive signs tonight for the home fans. Where as Sligo fans will be going home happier then what they've been in recent weeks as this win has been only there second win in their last eight games.

Attendence : 560

Man of the match : Danny Ventre

 

Bookings : Aaron Greene (Sligo), Liam Martin (Sligo).

Team line ups :

Waterford : Craig Hyland , Dylan Mernagh , David Breen , Seamus Long , Michael Coady, Aidan McGrath (Peter Higgins), Peter White , Kevin O'Connor (Conor Coad), Jack Dothery , Vicent Sullivan (Ben Ryan), Paul Qulity  

 

Sligo : Gary Rodgers , Gavin Peers, Jeff Henderson , Iarfhlaith Davoren , Seamus Conneely (Alan Keane), Aaron Greene (Danny North), Danny Ventre , Kieran Djilali , Raf Cretaro (Liam Martin) , David Cawley , Anthony Elding

 

 

By Craig O Sullivan (@CraigWufc)