Derry City face a tough trip to face a resurgent Waterford side this weekend. The hosts have been revitalised since Graham Coughlan's appointment as manager in May, turning their season around with a dramatic defensive improvement.
Coughlan took over a team that had won just once in its first fifteen games and looked certain for relegation. His impact has been stark, with Waterford now on a five-match winning streak in the league and through to the FAI Cup semi-finals. They have conceded only two goals in those last five league outings, a far cry from their season total of 49, which remains the second-worst in the division.
“Despite winning only one of his first five matches in Munster, Coughlan’s arrival changed the Blues’ fortunes,” the manager said of his own start. Veteran striker Pádraig Amond, 38, has been central to their cup run, scoring in all three ties this season and adding nine league goals.
Derry City go into the match sitting fourth in the Premier Division with 41 points from 32 games. Their recent form is strong, unbeaten in five with three wins and two draws, including a 2-2 draw with this same Waterford side just last week. Michael Duffy remains their top scorer this campaign with 12 goals.
The Candystripes' next assignment after this is a home clash against league leaders St Patrick's Athletic on October 9th.
Read the full report at derrycityfc.net
