The Famous 6 in 8

1.  This one meant more and you could sense that before, during and after the match. There’s the proximity both geographically and on the league table, plus so many Waterford players having spent time with, and in some cases been rejected by, Cork City. There was a proper Munster derby bite in the match and the celebrations were full of emotion. Two Cork natives scored for Waterford – Chloe Atkinson and Lauren Walsh – while every player seemed to find an extra 10% to make sure they got the win in this of all games. The points mean the Blues leapfrog City in the table and are definitely seen as a team on the rise.

2.  Gary Hunt is back to closer to his core team now with players returning from injury. The Danielles, Griffin and Burke, as well as Chloe, were all missing for a long spell. These are relatively experienced players who all go straight into the starting eleven. Younger players have stepped in, played very well and learned from the experience, but the team looks better with more options. It allows for positional flexibility too with Burke going into midfield, Atkinson to the right, Erin O’Brien left and Mia Lenihan moving up top.

 

Stephanie Dumevi always senses danger and is quick to act.

 

3.  The Blues played on the front foot throughout the game and it suited them. Sophie Slattery set the tone with a shot over the bar in the opening exchanges. Olivia Shannon then won a big physical challenge which was wrongly deemed a foul and Cork’s goal came from that award. It was a soft goal to give away, and so early in the game, so it would have been frustrating to go in behind. City had edged it with Fiana Bradley (formerly of Waterford’s academy) scoring, missing a good chance wide, and forcing Maeve Williams into a good stop with her legs, but the play was fairly even throughout the half. Their attacking was relentless in the second half with most of the ball in Cork's territory.

4.  What made the team’s display all the more impressive was the intense heat in which it was played. The girls’ fitness and stamina were tested in thirty-degree heat. There were two official water breaks and several more unofficial ones whenever the play was stopped for treatment to an injury. It was an energy-sapping day, but the Blues never wilted. The equalising goal just before half time lifted them and, whatever was said in the dressing-room, it felt like there was only going to be one winner.

The second half performance is the best they have played in any game to date. They were determined, aggressive, creative, but also managed the game well without individual errors. Substitutes Issy Walsh and Cliona Kearney both added to the attacking intent too. This was a breakthrough win.

 

Erin O'Brien was full of running as ever.

 

5.  Goals have been hard to come by in recent months as Waterford’s run of fixtures saw them taking on the heavyweights of Irish football. Just when it looked like the Blues would trail at the midway point, Lauren intercepted a pass in defence and played a precise ball fifty yards down the line. It was just enough to lure Clodagh Fitzgerald out, but held up perfectly for Atkinson to take the ball past the goalkeeper and produce a composed finish to the empty net from fifteen yards.

Lenihan gave the home side the lead short of the hour mark when a long free kick by Williams created a chance in the box. Atkinson’s shot was blocked, but Slattery poked the ball through to Lenihan who smashed home to the roof of the net. Subtle movement from Lenihan gave her the space as she sneaked two steps sidewards to evade the defenders and strike her first Waterford goal.

The third came from the award of an indirect free kick inside the box that caught everyone in the ground off guard. Goalkeeper Fitzgerald seems to have been penalised for dissent and, while the free was cleared off the line before Lenihan could tap in her second goal, the resultant corner kick was delivered beautifully by Atkinson and met with a powerful header from Walsh for her third of the season. 

6.  There were so many great performances in this game. Williams had one of her quieter days, but still made two excellent saves. Griffin, the captain, brought athleticism, touch-tight marking and fantastic work-rate while covering her centre backs flawlessly. Slattery and Burke did so much work in the middle that I was confusing the two pony-tailed grafters in the blinding sunshine. You’d want Mia on your side in a battle - she was terrific and that goal had been coming.

Player of the Match could go to any of a number of players, but Shannon was my choice. Just turned 17, she is ridiculously strong and skilful. She won countless headers in defence and attack, made clearances and set up attacks. She was everywhere and I seriously believe she could be ‘Ireland’s Olivia Shannon’ in years to come. 

 

Thanks to Hugh de Paor (Irish Photo Explorer) for the use of his photographs.