When Stephen Bradley’s charges headed Leeside on Friday to begin their double gameweek weekend South West by playing Cork, there’s no doubt the target would’ve been a 6 point weekend on the road to put them on the brink of regaining their crown.
They were left to rue missed chances at the Cross on Friday night when Darragh Crowley’s long range strike beat a helpless McGinty to earn City a point and subsequently keep the candle ever so slightly alive in a title race on its last legs.
It hasn’t been plane sailing for John Coleman since taking over from Keith Long earlier in the season. A rare defeat at Dalymount on Friday left the Blues looking precariously over their shoulder at Sligo Rovers just 3 points off them in 9th.
Hoops Momentum
Considering the position Rovers are in the league and the magnitude of games coming up it may have taken a few by surprise the strength of the 11 that Bradley selected to face bottom side Cork on Friday night. In my opinion, Bradley and his coaching staff are making a concerted effort to avoid standards slipping in this lull period in the season ahead of Europe and the latter stages of the cup.
Prediction: Waterford 1-2 Shamrock Rovers
Where to watch: LOITV
Kickoff time: 19:45