Waterford United's Paul McCarthy who came in in place of George O'Callaghan, in action against Dundalk's Wayne Hatswell last Tuesday evening. | Photos: Jim O'Sullivan
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Premier League leaders Dundalk travelled back to Co Louth on Tuesday night last having booked a place in the semi-final of the EA Sports Cup – but they could count themselves lucky to have done so.
Last year’s finalists Waterford United went into the game as rank outsiders given their recent form, including a dismal performance in Derry the previous Saturday. Dundalk won the match courtesy of a goal deep into stoppage time in the first half and a deflected winner.
The Blues side showed three changes from the team which were embarrassed at the Brandywell four days earlier. Willie John Kiely replaced Gareth Cambridge up front. James O’Sullivan came in for Gary Dunphy, and perhaps the main switch was the return of Paul McCarthy in place of George O’Callaghan.
The official line from the club was that O’Callaghan was suffering from a hamstring injury but it later came to pass that he may have played his last game for the club following his display in Derry. No-one was prepared to go on record to confirm or deny this story. Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that the team had a much better shape to it in this game and every player was playing in his proper position, something that has not been the case during the past six weeks.
See The Munster Express newspaper for full match report.
