David Grincell: winning goal
Cork City 0 Waterford United 1
David Grincell: winning goal
The new-look Waterford United played their first pre-season game on Saturday last in Bishopstown, Cork. They were due to play Bohemians at the RSC the previous week but the game had to be cancelled as the Kilbarry pitch was waterlogged. The Cork City game was also due to take place at the Waterford venue but again it was not possible because of the ground conditions so the Leesiders made Bishopstown available as manager Paul Doolin wanted to get a chance to see his new charges in action.
Following the 90 minutes of play however it was United’s new boss Stephen Henderson who left smiling. This was a super workout for Waterford and although it would be foolish to get carried away with a result like this, a lot of confidence will be taken from the result and the performance.
Lots of people were wondering what team Henderson would start with. .Michael Devine played in goal and also captained the side. Seamus Long, signed from Douglas Hall, played at right full-back, with Declan Woodgate operating at left full. Graham Cummins and Kevin Murray were the central defenders, with Kenny Browne just in front of them. John Kearney, Kevin Waters, Alan Carey, Paul McCarthy and Willie John Kiely made up the midfield and attack.
As is the norm in games like this quite a few changes were made during the second half. Carlos Alverez, David Grincell, Kieran Fitzgerald, Paul Carey and Joe Mulcahy came on for John Kearney, Willie John Kiely, Kenny Browne, Alan Carey and Paul McCarthy in that order. Kevin Burns also got a chance to play as he replaced Michael Devine in goal.
David Grincell scored the only goal of the game in the very last minute. Joe Mulcahy sent over a corner kick from the right and when the Cork City defence failed to clear, Grincell took full advantage and cracked the ball to the roof of the net from six yards.
IKA charity challenge
On Friday night next in Ben Wadding Park Poleberry, Henderson’s men will play in Waterford for the first time against a local Junior League selection. This game is in aid of the Waterford Branch of the Irish Kidney Association, organised by Paul Elliott. His starting XI will be as follows:
Graham Cleary (St Saviours), Ian O’Regan (Hibernians), Anthony O’Donnell (Carrick United), Mitchel Casey (Waterford Crystal), Andrew Denn (Bohemians), Gary Kelly (Johnville), Michael Caulfield (Southend United), Clive Crotty (Dungarvan United), Leigh Quilty (Tramore), Conor McDonald (Villa), plus ‘AN Other’ (guest player). Substitutes will be named later this week. Admission is only €5 and there will be a raffle on the night for special football shirts. The Barrack Street Band will also perform.
Soccer Table Quiz
The Waterford United Supporters Club and Independent Supporters Club will stage a Soccer Table Quiz on Monday, March 2, in Norris’s Bar, Barrack Street.
Tables of four will cost €40 and there will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd, all sponsored, so all monies raised on the night will go directly to the Waterford United club.
Kick-off time is 8.30pm and the referee and quizmaster will be Matt Keane (Munster Express and WLRfm).
He will be assisted by Michael Drohan and Ian Paul, and the 4th official will be Adrian Flanagan. Just to add to the fun a complementary pint will be thrown in for good measure.
