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Injuries biting but Waterford look to go back on top at Derry

Waterford United's players will feel reasonably well at home if they win in Derry tonight, a result that will see newly-promoted…

Thu May 29 2003 - 01:00

Waterford United's players will feel reasonably well at home if they win in Derry tonight, a result that will see newly-promoted Blues continue to confound the pundits and by putting them top of the Premier Division table, for 24 hours at least. Paul Buttner reports.

"They were top of the table all the way in the First Division last season so it's nothing knew to them," said Waterford manager Jimmy McGeough of his players. "They handled that well, with only one hiccup along the way. It's something they don't think much about. If they are top of the league they are top of the league." Injuries are mounting for the Blues, however, with five first-teamers either out or very doubtful tonight due to injuries.

Wayne Fitzgerald (groin) and Dave Mulcahy (knee) are definitely out while Alan Reilly (shoulder), Gary O'Neill (ankle) and Kevin O'Brien (ankle) are in a race against time to prove their fitness.

But McGeough will have both goalkeeper Dan Connor and Daryl Murphy back from duty with the Irish under-21 and under-20 squads this week.

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Liam Coyle and Sean Hargan remain sidelined for Derry with knee and groin injuries respectively. Tommy McCallion (knee) may make the bench along with Billy Clery (rib).

Mark McChrystal (groin) and captain Eamon Doherty (calf) are also causing manager Kevin Mahon some concern, but both are likely to start.

"Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong," said Mahon of his side's 5-1 defeat to Shamrock Rovers last week. "It's important we bounce back.

"Waterford have got off to a magnificent start so it's a big, big match for us." Meanwhile, Shelbourne have brought forward next week's home fixture with Waterford by 48 hours to Wednesday night.

This is to avoid a clash with the Republic of Ireland under-21 European Championship game with Albania in Longford on the Friday night.

Shelbourne's Wes Hoolahan and Waterford goalkeeper Dan Connor are both in Don Givens' squad.

TONIGHT'S FIXTURES (7.45 unless stated): Premier Division - Derry City v Waterford Utd. First Division - Dublin City v Finn Harps (7.30); Limerick FC v Galway Utd (7.30); Monaghan United v Dundalk.