SP17S2Pic2Waterford United Legends 1   Waterford United Fans 0
The late great Jackie Morley was remembered at the RSC on Friday night last when the players and the spectators stood in unison and a minutes’ applause brought back memories of Jackie who sadly left us on Monday, November 25th.
It was ironic that the game was played five days after the defender who won four League of Ireland medals with the club departed this world and I suppose in many ways it was written in the stars that the legends on view last Friday would come on top.
This was the fourth meeting of the sides and this latest meeting produced another victory for the former players of our proud club.
It was their fourth win on the trot but in truth the real winners were the needy of our city because they will enjoy a little bit of Christmas cheer due to the superb efforts of both teams on an off the park.
The fans outfit had the first shot on target when Paul O’Toole cracked in an angled shot from the edge of the right side of the penalty area but Anthony Fennelly produced a fine save. The legends had a super chance to break the deadlock on 10 minutes when Paschal Keane squared the ball to Aidan Swift but he struck the upright from a great position. Mark Kennedy produced a brilliant save from Derek ‘Doc’ O’Connor after 21 minutes following excellent build up play by Aidan Swift and Paschal Keane. Paschal then missed the proverbial ‘sitter’ on 27 minutes.
He was set up my Pat Arrigan but the former Blues, Kilkenny City and St Patrick’s Athletic striker shot high over the bar from close range.
What proved to be the only goal arrived on 41 minutes.
Paddy Barrett picked out Pat Arrigan with a diagonal ball and Arrigan, who actually scored in the first ever meeting of the teams four years ago, hammered the ball to the back of the net from deep inside the penalty area.
Bragging rights once again go to the Legends as not even the presence of Kenny Browne who won the LOI Championship with St Patrick’s Athletic, could not prevent defeat number four for the fans.
Waterford United Legends: Anthony Fennelly, Paul Deveraux, Alan Barry, Paddy Barrett, Martin Reid, Brian Arrigan, Paul Cashin, Pat Arrigan, Derek O’Connor, Paschal Keane, Aidan Swift, Pakie Holden, Jimmy Hetheringhton, Johnny Matthews.
Waterford United Fans: Mark Kennedy, Conr Kearney, John O’Neill, Decky Toman, Brian McArdle, Anthony Clarke, Alan Forristal, Daragh Swaby, Wayne Marshall, Graham Murphy, Conor Fox, Paul O’Toole, Darryl Foley, Mark Lannon, Andy Gahan, Rob Gordon, Niall Doherty, Graham Coady, Billy Flynn, Eoin Swift, Thomas Carbery, Kenny Browne.
Referee: Gary Fitzgerald. Assistants Ian Paul, Jimmy McGrath.
Man of the Match awards: Legends award winner was Derek ‘Doc’ O’Connor. Fans award winner was Mark Kennedy.