ARTICLE NAME : Were you there ?

DATE : 24/01/01

PUBLICATION : Blue till I Die - Fanzine

Cup football always creates a buzz around Waterford, even though we only won the FAI Cup twice in our history and our record over the past few years is nothing but brutal. So we receive the best possible draw, when we are paired against St. Francis at the RSC in the second round. We play poorly and only draw to the worse team in the National League (not the first time this season and not the last), and yet 130 Waterford fans turn up in Baldonnell for a 1.30pm kick off on a Wednesday to see the replay.

We ran this game from start to finish totally out playing the opposition, in every area of the pitch. A great passing move was finished off by Paul Scully to put us one up at half time. Alan Kirby after squandering several great chances finally scored to wrap up the game and leave the twenty or so from UCD shaking in their boots as they face another early exist in the cup, and a fight to survive in the Premier league. Afterwards the comment from many press and neutrals summed up the Blues this season "how did this tie have to go to a replay with such a difference in standard". A question we have been asking all season as we fail against the MIGHTY "kick the ball as high as you can" Limerick FC, "we'll kick you first" St. Francis, "we have no good players" Home Farm Whatever FC and "what are we doing this end of the table" Monaghan United.

After this we traveled to Oriel Park and by all accounts we played them off the pitch again. Reports got back that Whittle was sent off, no one thought it was Kevin though. Seemingly he was unlucky to see red after a harmless first booking. Eight brave souls may the long journey to Drogheda last Friday, which turned out to be a most enjoyable trip. Spirits were high as we set off over the bridge, even if the bus driver was wondering what eight people were doing hiring a bus to support the Blues. Arriving in Drogheda with 45 minutes to spare, we were shown into the bar inside United Park. Being able to sit down in comfort inside the ground before the match was again a pleasure. With seats available along the window, where you could view the match and all pints £2.00 it was understandable on such a cold night that some of the travel club decided to stay in doors (six actually).

The game was a real treat as we played some lovely flowing football from the back and converted some twenty chances. Joe Watson (only playing because of Moroney's absence) chip over the keeper in only the ninth minute was a delight and he also made an important point to PP. It would be fair to say that we thought the second goal would never come as we missed chance after chance. Early in the second half, a sweet volley from Big Eric ended Drogs interest in this game. We kept creating chances after this but failed to score. A 2-0 win, three more points and chips on the way home. Another adventure over for the travelling Blue Army.

Next up the young students (unless they sign Derek Swan) in Belfield on Sunday 4th February and as our Cup run continues make sure you are there.

Tubby.