“I think it was a good workout for us in a very competitive game” – Jon Daly

While manager Jon Daly was pleased with the display against Kerry FC as he watched his charges win by three goals to two, he was equally aware that there is still work to be done ahead of the league opener against Shelbourne on February 6 at the RSC.

Goals from Tommy Lonergan, Conor Carty and Evan McLaughlin ensured that Waterford’s pre-season record extends to four victories from five games (Munster Senior Cup included), and Daly was impressed with some aspects of the game.

“I think it was a good workout,” he ventured after the final whistle. “I thought both sides tried to play and there were some good passages for both sides, and I thought it was a very competitive game, which you want in pre-season.

“I thought the boys done well, which I was obviously pleased with. There's obviously plenty to improve on, as always, so we'll take the positives, and we'll look at the other stuff, and we'll try and fix it and try and continue to improve.” Having seen his team lose to Cork City last week, albeit in horrendous conditions, Daly was satisfied that there is improvement week on week.

“Last week against Cork, we were obviously disappointed. I think early start, early kick-off, should I say, and the travelling and stuff like that. And the weather.

“I thought today we were much more like ourselves and what I'd expect of us, and it's good for a couple of the strikers to get off the mark as well. It's a good goal from Tommy [Lonergan] and Conor Carty as well, and even Evan McLaughlin with a great finish.

MONKEY OFF THE BACK 

So, really pleased for them to kind of get that monkey off their back in terms of scoring that first goal. So, hopefully, plenty more to come.” And while the game was played behind closed doors, a handful of spectators were treated to an impressive display, particularly in the movement, which pleased the manager.

“Very impressive, particularly the front line; there was a lot of movement around that. Yeah, there are some clever footballers, and it's just about getting them on the ball as much as we can and getting them to impact the game as much as we can. We probably needed to be a little braver in possession at times, but that will come.

“As I said last week, there are relationships being built amongst each other, and they're still kind of learning what they do and what they don't do and things they can combine with. But we've got some clever footballers at the top end of the pitch that can score goals.” 

STILL LEARNING 

And while the front line was impressive, a nice understanding was developing between Evan McLaughlin and Luke Heeney, with McLaughlin also getting off the mark.

“That's the first time I've played them in there together,” he commented.

“I'm still learning about the boys, and I think Luke gives you bags of energy and his willingness to work and do the hard yards. He's very, very good at that and breaking up the play.

“And then Evan, obviously, we've brought him in to be probably a little bit more of an attack-minded player, but he has quality.

“Evan can play a number of positions. I thought his goal was excellent. It was really good play. Great pick out from Conan, a fantastic touch from Evan and then a great strike, which we've seen numerous times in training over the last number of days.

“I think the relationships, as I said, will continue to grow. We've got some good players there that we're hopeful once we get up to full speed, will make an impact for us this year.”