Waterford United manager Gareth Cronin was a happy man following the full time whistle at the RSC on Friday night last. After a disappointing draw away with Athlone Town and a humiliating defeat against the Kerry League in the League Cup, the Blues boss was beginning to feel the pressure from supporters, but the smile was back on his face last weekend.
“That was a good result, big time!” admitted the manager. “I thought we played well all through the game on what was a difficult pitch. I have said all a long that we would click and hopefully tonight is the night we have begun to do that.
“A new team takes time to blend in together but you don’t get a lot of time in this game so we must kick on from here, starting with Limerick next Friday. There were some good displays from a lot of the players tonight. Kenny Browne needs some more coaching but he has what it takes to go a long way in this game, not only in Ireland but also in England.
“Michael Foley is a very good player and he is starting to get his game together right now. Remember he misses the best part of a month in pre season because of injury. I felt Willie John Kiely really helped Vinny Sullivan this evening up front. He is getting stronger with ever game and I have no doubt that he played a big part in Vinny’s goal because he took a lot of pressure off him all night.
“It is a pity that Vinny is suspended for the Limerick game because this partnership can pay dividends during the course of the season. We looked comfortable playing 4-4-2 and Willie John and Vinny played their part in that system,” said Cronin.
When asked about his decision to take off Karl Bermingham and place Stephen Quigley at right full back, moving Kieran Fitzgerald to the right side of midfield, Cronin explained his reason for doing so.
“When Kieran came to the club I felt he could play out wide right and also Stephen Quigley is a very good full back. Kieran did very well on the right side of midfield and it is a lovely option to have. Robbie Clare is a very good left full-back, a footballing left-back and he linked up well with Michael Foley who has in my opinion a magical left foot.
“When the pitches improve during the coming months we will get even better, of that I have no doubt. We are solid at the back also so we will do very well from here on in”.
Captain pleased
Another happy camper last Friday night at 9.45pm was the team captain David Breen. “I thought we were superb tonight. I have said since the start of the season that people need to be patient. I am looking forward to the Limerick game already because we can build on our performance tonight.
“I was delighted for the two strikers, Willie John and Vinny because both of them have been flying in training and it was great to see them do the business on the field of play in a match tonight. We are rock solid at the back and Kenny Browne is improving with every single game.
“Having said all that this is only one result and we will not get carried away with it. We will need to repeat this performance almost every week because they are some good sides going to be up near the top all season, clubs like Dundalk and Shelbourne. We will enjoy this result this evening but on Sunday it will be back to training and all thought will then turn to Limerick 37,” the Blues skipper added.
