Munster Express Online

Waterford 2-1 Bandon

The Waterford Division Two side had a crucial win over league rivals Bandon on Saturday at Newtown. Waterford, Bandon and Fermoy sit at the bottom of the table with little between the teams, so this was an important clash. It may yet prove to be a relegation decider.

From the very start Waterford were hungry for the ball. Captain Barbara Johnson led valiantly from the back, breaking up a huge amount of the Bandon play and clearing effectively to the wings. Waterford played simple effective hockey and hassled their Bandon counterparts relentlessly every time they gained possession.

It was by no means easy for the Waterford side and they were delighted to push ahead when Barbara Johnson beat the keeper to score the first goal of the game. Waterford’s Jenny White had a player-of-the-match performance at sweeper, putting in some huge tackles, clearing from the decks on several occasions and denying almost certain Bandon goals.

Bandon equalised with about a minute left in the first half but the Waterford mood was still positive at half time. The game was certainly within reach and required the same effort and fight that was evident in the first half.

Waterford came out firing in the second half and continued to pressurize the Bandon midfield. Eileen Guiry and Stacey Browne up front had a couple of near misses but the second goal eventually came mid way through the second half. Waterford were awarded a short corner and took their chance with a set piece which has fooled several back lines this season. The ball was slipped back to the centre for a flick home. It was perfectly executed and Eileen Guiry.

Bandon pushed on but Waterford continued to challenge and hustle the Bandon attack. Jenny White was called on time and time again but remained rock solid in the defence. The game went right to the wire when Bandon were awarded a short corner in the very last play of the game. Waterford were resolute in the defence of their lead and eventually cleared the ball from the circle to secure this vital victory.

Waterford: Laura Cassin, Shirley Moore, Jenny White, Joanne Day, Claire Ryan, Catherine Murphy, Faye Loughnane, Barbara Johnson, Karen Power, Stacey Browne, Eileen Guiry and Lillian Healy.

Results February 16

Div 3: Waterford 0 v Bandon 0

Fixtures February 24

Div 2: Waterford v Church of Ireland

Div 3: Belvedere v Waterford

Div 4: Waterford v UCC

Training

Training continues on Tuesday and Thursday from 7.00pm-8.30pm at the Newtown school. Kids Hockey is on Sundays at 11.00am. Contact the Club PRO, Karen Power, on 086 1086961 for further details.