Waterford FC continued their excellent recent form with a 2-0 victory away to St Patrick's Athletic on Friday night. The result, reported by RTÉ, extends the Blues' unbeaten streak to five matches and delivers a blow to the title hopes of their hosts.

Stephen Kenny's side had hoped to close the gap on leaders Shamrock Rovers but were undone by a disciplined Waterford performance. The win follows a strong finish to the 2025 season where Waterford placed 9th in the League of Ireland Premier, amassing 39 points from 36 games. Their recent form, now reading four wins and a draw from the last five, is a stark contrast to that campaign where they conceded 60 goals.

How did Waterford approach the game?

Manager Graham Coughlan set his team up to counter St Pat's technical style. "We're looking forward to the game against St. Pats," Coughlan had said beforehand. "They're a technical side, so it'll be a different challenge to what we faced in Sligo last week." His plan worked perfectly, with the team building on the solid defensive foundation shown in a 0-0 draw at The Showgrounds. The victory also avenges a 4-1 defeat from earlier in the season, which was Coughlan's first match in charge.

What is the context of Waterford's current run?

This win is part of a remarkable turnaround. The club has suffered only two defeats in its last 15 league outings, a run that has moved them well clear of the relegation battle. Their current five-game unbeaten sequence includes a surprise win over Bohemians. While injuries have ruled out Will Johnson and Sam Glenfield, summer loanee Blair McKenzie made his debut as a substitute in Sligo and adds depth. Fans can track the squad's availability on our injuries page.

What does this mean for the league standings?

The three points dent St Patrick's Athletic's pursuit of Shamrock Rovers, who were not in action until Sunday. Bohemians, in third, also had a chance to apply pressure but faced bottom side Sligo Rovers. For Waterford, the focus shifts to consolidating their mid-table position. They ended the 2025 season 27 points behind the champions, but the current momentum suggests a more competitive campaign. You can follow their progress in the standings.

What is next for Waterford?

Attention now turns to a home fixture against Sligo Rovers on September 4th. Sligo, currently 7th, will provide another test as Waterford aims to extend its positive run. The team's confidence is high, and securing points against sides around them will be key to building on this season's improved foundation. The full schedule of upcoming matches is available on our fixtures page.