eircom National League First Division

Date	05/12/2002
Score (Blues First)	4 - 0
Venue	RSC, Waterford
Kick Off	7.30pm
Attendance	1,700
Weather	Cold
Referee	A Kelly (Cork)
Goal Scorers	O'Sullivan, Murphy, Byrne, Di Lella
Cards	None
Pitch	Great condition for this time of year

A nightmare was the only word to describe last weeks defeat in Dublin so this was the chance for the Blues to bounce back and beat our deadly rivals The Town. Local Derby's are always special and the Blues fan's couldn't wait for this one to come around, after the flair up in Buckley "swimming pool" Park earlier in the season. The return of ex players to the RSC always helps create a great atmosphere.

Every Waterford United player responded brilliantly to last weekend's heavy defeat in the Capital and to say we outplayed Town would be an understatement. From the out set their was only going to be one winner as the Blues pressured and hassled the visitors from the kick off. It was no surprise when we took the lead with a Darryl Murphy strike and when Gus added a second the scoreline did not flatter the Blues. A 2 goal lead at half time is always nice. The fans it must be said played their part as the noise from block A was incredible from the very first minute. The cheering, the songs and the occasional rant at the 3 ex blues made for an enjoyable night.

Shortly after the restart a cross by Waters found top scorer Vinny free in front of goal , and in typical fashion he found the back of the net. Another Waters cross saw Willie Byrne rise above the Town defence and head into the net for his second in two games. The second half it must be said was played at a slow pace as Town were unable to lift their game to the standard of the mighty Blues. This night was a night to celebrate and that just what happened in the main stand. The fans cheered the players on and didn't leave the ground until they clapped their hero's back out for the warm down.

After slight doubts were put in our minds about promotion the management and team answered them with a four nil win. With Galway and Harps now putting runs together, the Blues must continue to perform in the last seven games, and not let what they have worked so hard for slip away. Three more wins should be enough to clinch the eircom League First Division title.