After a shocking streak of losses, Keith Long recieved the sack, the men to take on the challenge of turning us around was Mr John Coleman and Mr Danny Ventre, who are both a credit to their trade.
Game 1 : Galway United (H)
After 2 trips to the capital, being successful, it was time to face Galway, who had been known as the “bogey team” amongst Blues fans, as we hadn’t been victorious against them since the 2022 First Division Play-Off Final in the Markets Field. A lovely swung corner from loanee Conan Noonan was met by the head of Darragh Leahy on the edge of the six yard box drifting into the bottom right corner in the 27th minute. That deemed to be the only goal of the match as we took 12 out of 12, proving John Coleman and Danny Ventre were the men at the wheel.
Game 2 : Shamrock Rovers (H)
As the Rovers came to town, it proved to be a feat that could not be matched by The Blues. An early opener by Podge with a stunning header which left everyone in shock, but that lead didn’t last long as a right footed shot by Rory Gaffney sailed into the bottom left corner. The sides went into the dressing rooms level at half time, but the second half proved be one which all Blues fans would wish to forget, as a mistake from McMullan left Micheal Noonan with an open net, which he slotted in from the sideline on the right wing, the nail in the coffin came in the form of a counter attack by Graham Burke, who made no mistake in putting the ball straight past McMullans right hand side. A disappointing result didn’t display the performance, with near level possession.
Game 3 : St. Pats (A)
Yet another trip to the Big Shot, as Waterford travelled to Inchicore. With the Rovers result pushed behind us, it was all eyes on Richmond Park, being shown on Virgin Media. An early press by the attack led to a mistake in the back line, leaving the ball to Lonergan, who pushed us one up after only 2 minutes. This lead wouldn’t last, however, as a double from Tottenham bound teenager Mason Melia in 5 minutes pushed Pats ahead going into half time. Conan Noonan was able to pull one back in the 81st minute and salvage a draw in Dublin.
Game 4 : Drogheda (H)
Second place Drogheda made their way Suir Side. An even start was pushed by Loanee Lonergan, who slotted away a left footed shot into the bottom right corner to put us 1 ahead, the celebrations were short lived as a close ranged header from Drogheda Starman Warren Davis left the sides level in to the whistle. It’s that man again, as Podge slotted away a close ranged shot to push the Blues towards 3 points, but the hopes were shattered, as poor defence from a corner allowed Conor Keeley to nod an equaliser at the death. Ahui seen red 4 minutes later for delaying the restart, as the referee blew it up for full time.
Game 5 : Sligo (A)
A less than exciting game up in The Showgrounds led to Colemans second loss at the helm, a scrabble in the box fell perfectly to Wilson Wawaeru who casually took his chance and set Sligo up for their fourth win of the league campaign. Some fans said both teams didn’t look bothered for the game and Coleman was quoted to even say “Our goalkeeper put on weight” referring to the lack of opportunities in the second half.
Coleman had made sure of turning around a lacklustre losing spell and done more than many could have expected. A double header awaits the RSC this weekend and hopefully John and Danny are prepared for the challenge.