Waterford FC Incar Kemenangan Perdana Lawan Drogheda United FC

Waterford FC membidik kemenangan perdana mereka dalam laga lanjutan SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division yang dijadwalkan ulang saat menjamu Drogheda United FC di Stadion RSC pada Senin malam, 18 Mei 2026.

Klub berjuluk The Blues tersebut saat ini masih terdampar di dasar klasemen sementara dengan selisih sembilan poin dari Sligo Rovers yang menduduki peringkat kesembilan.

Berdasarkan laporan asatunews.co.id, Waterford FC baru saja mengemas hasil imbang 2-2 melawan Derry City pada Jumat malam lalu akibat kebobolan lewat sundulan Henry Rylah di menit ke-94.

Sebaliknya, Drogheda United datang ke RSC setelah menelan kekalahan ketujuh mereka musim ini dari Bohemians dengan skor 1-2, sehingga kini menempati posisi kedelapan klasemen lewat raihan 19 poin dari 16 pertandingan.

Manajer Waterford FC, Graham Coughlan, menghadapi kendala kelengkapan skuad lantaran Jordan Houston dan Evan McLaughlin diragukan tampil akibat cedera, meski Sam Glenfield dipastikan sudah bisa kembali bermain setelah menyelesaikan masa hukuman larangan bertanding.

"Tomorrow will be a different type of game compared to Friday night. We’re expecting a battle. Friday’s point would turn out to be a great point if we can go and put three points on the board on Monday. Our aim was to come away with four points this weekend, and it’s what we’ll be looking to do." ujar Graham Coughlan, Manajer Waterford FC.

Coughlan mengapresiasi ketahanan mental anak asuhnya yang dinilai terus menunjukkan performa maksimal meski kerap menghadapi kekecewaan sepanjang musim kompetisi bergulir.

"The character & the resilience the players have shown since we came in has been brilliant. They’ve taken knocks, they’ve taken blows, all season they’ve had disappointments, but on Friday I was really proud of the performance they put on." kata Graham Coughlan, Manajer Waterford FC.

Dia juga memuji dukungan para suporter di stadion dan mengakui bahwa timnya membutuhkan faktor keberuntungan yang tidak didapatkan pada pertandingan sebelumnya.

"And I was proud of the supporters, how they cheered & clapped us off the pitch. Because we’re going to need everybody. The one thing we’re going to need that nobody can control is slices of luck along the way, and we just didn’t get that on Friday night." kata Graham Coughlan, Manajer Waterford FC.

Menurut laporan waterford-news.ie, Coughlan percaya bahwa timnya dapat membangun momentum positif dari hasil pertandingan melawan Derry City sebelumnya.

"First and foremost, we asked for a performance tonight, and I think we got exactly that. It was a really strong performance. We asked for intensity, for high energy, and we got that in abundance. That gives us a clear blueprint for where we want to go. “I thought our overall performance level was very good. But sometimes in football, luck either shines on you or turns its back on you, and tonight it felt like it went against us. When we needed a break or a bit of fortune, it just didn’t come. “They had very few chances and came away with two goals, so fair play to them. It shows you don’t need many chances if you’re clinical. But from our side, we created enough opportunities to win the game, and that’s the frustrating part. “I’m really, really proud of the players. I was frustrated last week because I know they’re better than that, and tonight they showed exactly what they’re capable of. That’s the level we need to reach consistently. “These lads have worked their socks off all week, and that came out tonight. It’s a really good group. I saw some of the talk before I came in about them not caring, but if anyone still believes that, they need to look at that performance. “Look at the pride they showed, the way they put their bodies on the line, the way they worked for each other—that was outstanding, regardless of the result. I can’t comment on what’s gone on before. I don’t live in the past, and I don’t want the players living in it either. What’s gone is gone. My focus is on moving forward.” “Tonight is the blueprint. That’s the level we want week in, week out, and now the challenge is to replicate it. Late goals and setbacks are part of football. It’s frustrating when they go against you, but there will be times when they go in your favour as well.”" kata Graham Coughlan, Manajer Waterford FC.

Coughlan mengaku sangat puas dengan respons yang ditunjukkan para pemainnya yang terus berjuang keras di lapangan.

"What I was really pleased with was the response. The lads showed real character. They kept battling, kept working, and never gave up. I felt we deserved to at least be level, if not ahead. The momentum was with us for large parts of the game, and I was surprised we didn’t create even more. “We asked the players to press, to get tight, to put pressure on the ball, and they did that to the letter. That’s all you can ask for as a coach. I understand some of them are carrying scars from earlier in the season. That’s part and parcel of football when results haven’t gone your way. But performances like tonight can help rebuild that confidence. “Consistency is the key now. If we can get to this level week in, week out, then the results will follow. Continuity brings confidence. The challenge is simple—go and do it again. There’s no point in feeling sorry for ourselves. That was a positive performance, and we need to build on it. “If we can follow this up with a win in the next game, then tonight becomes a very valuable point. That’s how quickly things can change. “I’m excited to be here and excited to be working with this group. They’re putting in the effort on the training ground, and that’s starting to show in matches. Give us a bit more time, and I believe they’ll fully buy into what we’re asking. If they do that, it will bring results.”" tambah Graham Coughlan, Manajer Waterford FC.