It's possibly too early in the season to label a match a relegation six-pointer but Waterford FC manager Keith Long struggled to contain his frustration following the full time whistle of Waterford’s 2-1 defeat away to Galway United.
A bright start by Waterford was rewarded with Conor Parsons direct run down the wing before brilliantly crossing to star signing Padraig Amond for his 2nd league goal of the season before the half hour mark. Possession during the remaining fifteen minutes of the first half was equally shared with Galway seeking a way back into the match with Aodh Dervin looking particularly dangerous for the home side.
Long would’ve been reasonably happy getting to half time with a slender lead but three minutes into the second half Galway equalised through American Vincent Borden and the Tribesmen’s tails were up. From then on Galway began to dominate and it looked like it was only a matter of time before they bagged the winning goal.
But through no lack of effort and spirit, Waterford managed to hold firm until the 79th minute when David Hurley’s well-struck free kick crept in under goalkeeper Sam Sargeant to give Galway the lead, and crucially, three points.
Speaking after the game to LOI TV, Long claimed his side need to work on the "dark arts" in order to get better results.
We’ve got to dust ourselves down and get ourselves ready and turn in a good performance on Monday night but we need to learn from tonight’s moments and be better in certain aspects of our game. Relish the grind, relish defending at times tonight we didn’t do that enough. [I] can’t fault the effort from the boys, the effort was great, we need to be a bit smarter, a bit cuter and maybe we can take a leaf from Galway's book in terms of the dark arts.”
The early concession in the 2nd half will frustrate Long and will no doubt be worked on going forward. Ultimately, Long blamed his side for the defeat.
“It was a tough night for us after getting a really good goal and getting ahead in the game. Probably didn’t defend well enough in the moments against a team like Galway that are always going to test your organisation and ability to win duels. We’ve come out the wrong side of it tonight, that is disappointing unfortunately. Ultimately, we got what we deserved, nothing from the game”
🎙️ | "Maybe we can take a leaf from Galway's book in terms of the dark arts"
Here's how Keith Long assessed Waterford's defeat against Galway United. #LOITV | #GALWAT pic.twitter.com/NzKmUVtrns— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) March 1, 2024
SEE ALSO: Brian Kerr Says He Was Previously Offered 'Media Watchdog' Role With The FAI
Encouraging start to the season
It’s been an encouraging start to the campaign with both sides picking up big wins in Co. Louth last week with Waterford coming away from Drogheda with a 4-1 victory and Galway’s standout 2-0 win in Oriel Park in Dundalk.
Both teams have a short turnaround time with Waterford hosting St Pats and Galway travelling to Shelbourne Monday night.
.
