Waterford GAA Thread - Mod note post #1

Even though there's silverware at stake today and I expect a Waterford victory, it doesn't really matter as long as we get a good competitive match, without shipping any more injuries. I think the Offaly U20 match (against Galway, due to be played yesterday) was put back a few days, which is only right.

Match has a challenge match feel to it. Offaly look nervous. Wind probably worth 5 or 6 points. You would think we should see this out now.

had the feel of a friendly about that . We can celebrate for 5 mins but now on to the serious stuff the championship where this team will be judged upon .

I attribute the atmosphere to the ticket mess. Not many Waterford or Offaly supporters. Cork could have sold out the place on their own for the second match and then started cheering Offaly on as they were dribbling in. We did go to sleep after going 14 points up though.

A game of two halves… Jesus we were bad in the second half. Very bad. If we needed a kick up the arse, we got it. Hopefully it works. Job done in terms of promotion but I’m not sure about what I think Peter thinks is his best 15. We’re going to get absolutely pulverized in midfield if we persist with a certain player who seems to be the first choice starting midfielder. Good day out in the sun all the same. Cork are looking good.

Congratulations to the lads and Peter, the aim was to come back up and if we were honest we would have expected to win 1B and we did, that would have brought it's own bit of pressure especially after the difficult start against Carlow.

It's not often we win silverware here so well done to the lads and management.

First half we were pretty decent, still some improvement there but played well, good first touch and moved the ball well.

Second half was always going to be difficult as the game seemed over at half time. That said, as Offaly came back the lads seemed to steady the ship and see it out, which can be difficult especially after being switched off for a while and a number of changes made during the second half.

At times I still feel we take the wrong option, attempting to score when another player is in a better position, I'd like to see us tidy up little things like that come champions, as every shot will count.

I’d agree with the majority of comments above. Impressive first 40 or so minutes. Somewhat understandable to have switched off a little with the lead as large as it was at that stage.

The same concerns remain for me though.

Nolan made a good save but had a colossal error for the first goal and probably could have done better with the second as well.
Kenny struggled, Conor Ryan will surely start ahead of him vs Clare.
Leavey still isn’t inspiring confidence at wing back for me. He is steady at best there.
Midfield still a concern although they did better yesterday than in the last group game.
Walsh offers a presence but his hurling is limited and he takes the wrong option far too often.

Mark Fitz is a top class hurler, I really hope he’s not tied up in the full back line for championship. Fitz, Tadhg and Fives could be an interesting half back line if we get Prunty fit enough to start in the full back line with Daly and Ryan. That would also allow us to move Kiely forward.
Sheahan and Lyons look like they will start the first round against Clare at this stage. Kieran Bennett, Jack Prendergast, Leavey and Hogan other options but none have seen as regular game time as the two lads there.
Up front Dessie, Stephen, Shane and Barron are nailed on for me at this stage. Last two spots between Curran, Prendergast, Hogan, Kiely, Patrick Fitz, Aussie and Walsh probably. Curran probably in pole position of those. Aussie and Fitz have missed a lot so probably options off the bench at best for Clare. Kiely if fit would give us a different profile up top, but he hasn’t played there all year so maybe it will be Jack.

Great to have options but there’s a lot still to figure out over the next 3 weeks.

Aussie unlikely to make Clare game (comes about a week too soon) but all other players are expected to be available, (per Queally in today's Indo.

Personally this is the team I would go with assuming Aussie isn't fit and everyone else is back

SOB

Fullback line of Daly, Prunty and Ryan

Half back line of Fives, TDB, Mark Fitz

Midfield Lyons and Hogan

Half Forward line: Kiely, Barron, Stephen B

Full forward: Patrick Fitz, Shane B, Dessie

Where did the ref get the 4 mins out of ?

To be honest all 3 of them were 50/50 calls with the 3 players you picked

Not quite there ! A fully fit Kiely & Patrick Fitzgerald would surely have to start. Would have Curran over Lyons too.

Jesus Kenny gets no love, battle tested against the best in the country. Ryan has been impressive in the league but far from a certainty come championship.

A lot of talk about when Aussie is back fit. Unfortunately my gut feeling is he will never be at an intercounty level fitness again. He's a 20 min cameo player at best, but hopefully can make an impact when if he does come on. I would also be worried about his temperment if he does make it back. Can see him being targeted and reacting !

Sheahan Dosent seem to be flavour of the month here but I can see him starting. Queally seems to rate him he’s started in practically every game of the league