Waterford's Defensive Resilience Praised by Manager Graham Coughlan
Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan praised his team's defensive resilience after a crucial 1-0 victory over Shelbourne, moving the team three points clear of the bottom of the Premier Division. The victory continued Waterford's recent resurgence under Coughlan and extended their run of clean sheets to two games.
What Happened?
The match saw Waterford's defensive solidity on full display, with Coughlan hailing his team's ability to keep a clean sheet. 'I'm just delighted to get another clean sheet, two on the bounce,' he said. 'I don't know when the last time was that the club kept two on the bounce. I thought the lads were outstanding.'
Why it Matters for Waterford
The victory is a significant boost for Waterford, who are currently 9th in the Premier Division with 25 points from 26 games. They have a recent form of 3W-2D-0L and are on a 2-game winning run. Coughlan believes that his team's recent improvement is down to their ability to manage games and retain possession.
What Comes Next?
Despite the recent improvement, Coughlan believes that there is still considerable growth in a youthful Waterford squad. 'We've got a lot of young lads and you can see a little bit of naivety creep into us,' he explained. 'Game management, or the lack of game management. You've got Tommy, you've got Podge, you've got John Mahon and you've got Longy who are generally experienced operators.'
League Standing and Recent Form
Waterford are currently 9th in the Premier Division with 25 points from 26 games, with a recent form of 3W-2D-0L. They are on a 2-game winning run and have a goal difference of -13. They are 26 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers and have a next fixture against Bohemians at home on August 9.
Coughlan's Thoughts on the Squad
Coughlan praised his team's ability to manage games and retain possession, saying that they need to show more composure and quality on the ball. He also highlighted the commitment of Evan McLaughlin, who has effectively been like a new signing since his return from injury.
Conclusion
Waterford's recent resurgence under Coughlan has been a significant improvement for the team. With a recent form of 3W-2D-0L and a 2-game winning run, they are looking to build on their momentum. Coughlan's thoughts on the squad's growth and development will be interesting to see in the coming weeks and months.
