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eircom National League First Division

Date	19/10/2001
Score (Blues First)	2 - 0
Venue	RSC, Waterford
Kick Off	7.30 PM
Attendance	775
Weather	Cool and dry
Referee	D. Tomney
Goal Scorers	Gary Dempsey 2
Cards	Yellow: Fitzgerald W, Breen, Bradley
Pitch	Good surface

The Blues saw the arrival of Sligo Rovers on Friday night as a must win game, as A Bit o Red were four points ahead of us in the league table and defeat would surely end any hopes of promotion this season.

Things started brightly for the Blues as we passed the ball around the pitch with ease leaving the Sligo players chasing shadows. It was that man Woody again who had the fans holding their heads in the stand as he blazed over again from an excellent position. This was one of three chances in the first half when Woody should have scored. While no one can question his commitment or work rate his finishing is terrible and PP now has to rectify this situation before the second half of the league starts. Woody has missed three great chances in each of the last 4 matches and not only that but has failed to get his shots on target. Sligo were struggling to get into the game and it was then that you realised Don O'Riordan was in charge. This man gets his teams to kick and fight their way out of trouble and halfway through the first half, fights broke out all over the pitch, with many players getting involved. Sligo Rovers teams down through the years never played like this but now under O'Riordan, its going to become common. It took a great passing move in injury time to open the scoring. 3 quick passes Breen to Moore, Moore to Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald to Dempsey, Dempsey shoots gooooooooal. This goal had everything, movement, swift passes and a finish of top quality. Sligo had just enough time to tip off and the half time whistle blew.

It was a happy dressing room at half time as finally the Blues had found the net after a lean spell, at home. We came out buzzing for the second half and Sligo's tactics didn't change, trying to ruffle up PP's men. Brendan Rea's experience was invaluable as he stood into every bust up and without him I'd have no doubt that 2 of our players would have seen red. We were again the better team, playing better football and covering the pitch well. It was Demspey again who put us 2 up as he spotted the keeper off his line and shot over his head from 27 yards into the net. This strike was all the better as Gary struck it with his weaker left leg. Dempsey now has 6 goals and never scores just once, he always adds a second. It was Woody again late on who went clean through and failed to score, but as he kicked the Hoffmans hoarding behind the goal on voice behind me shouted " Look at that he kicked the sign, I'm surprised he didn't miss it". A well deserved 3 points, another clean sheet, a good day at the office.

This result leaves the Blues 5 points behind Finn Harps who are in second place and visit the RSC in 3 weeks time where a victory (we owe them one) would see that gap close. After witnessing last seasons run in when Athlone threw away the league in the last month only to finish 3rd, we are by no means out of the promotion hunt. Lets get behind the Boys and cheer them on to the heights of the Premier Division.