SHC QUALIFIERS:OFFALY COME into this in the county's best championship form in at least five years. There was so much to admire in the way they dusted down an admittedly poor Limerick side with flashbacks to the past in the number of flicks and blocks they put in at the back.
Up the middle it was a good display from David Kenny at full back and Ger Oakley in front of him. Brendan Murphy was excellent at centrefield and Joe Bergin at full forward banged in three goals.
None of what they got will come as easily this evening but Waterford are also facing uncertainty. So far this year their list of competitive victims includes only Laois and Antrim and they have a lot of ground to cover before they can go into an All-Ireland semi-final with any degree of confidence.
It's hard to see how the team can sacrifice Ken McGrath to the number three jersey and not suffer in terms of ball winning and distribution from centre back. This is given added urgency by rumours about Tony Browne's fitness.
Then again new manager Davy Fitzgerald was making a simple calculation along the lines that Waterford are being killed by the concession of goals, most spectacularly the five that went in during last year's All-Ireland semi-final against Limerick.
Waterford's struggles include the need to fire up their previously lethal attack but perhaps their biggest advantage is experience.
Only a year ago they found out the difficulty of putting performances back to back in successive weeks as Offaly must do and their ability to perform at high intensity and at pace at this stage of the championship will be a decisive advantage.
WATERFORD:C Hennessy; E Murphy, K McGrath, D Prendergast; S O'Sullivan, T Browne, J Kennedy; M Walsh, J Nagle; D Shanahan, G Hurney, S Prendergast; E McGrath, E Kelly, J Mullane.
OFFALY:TBA.
Referee:D Murphy (Wexford).
Offaly v Waterford
Today, Thurles
Throw-in - 5pm Live on RTÉ 2
GUIDELINES
In the last episode:Offaly used a qualifier with Waterford to rehabilitate themselves in 2005 after a 31-point destruction by Kilkenny. The midland side recovered to lose by just 11 against Waterford.
You bet:At 1/6, Waterford are seen as certainties, with Offaly at 9/2 and 12/1 the draw. The handicap sees Waterford (-6) evens and Offaly (+6) 10/11.
On your marks:Will Ken McGrath play throughout the match at full back, given Joe Bergin's hat-trick last week?
Gaining ground:Thurles is Waterford's favourite ground and has also showcased some good wins for Offaly.
Just the ticket:Covered Stand tickets are available at €25, uncovered €20 and terrace €15. Concessions will also be on sale and children under-16 are free.
Crystal gazing:Offaly come into this with great enthusiasm and Waterford in a state of uncertainty but the latter's experience should prevail.
