Second-half backbone sparks a vital turnaround
Dundalk FC's Keith Buckley and Dean McMenamy of Waterford FC contest this ball during their clash at Oriel Park.
We travelled to Oriel Park on Friday night in search of our first away win of the season, carrying that added motivation of trying to avenge the 5-0 loss we suffered against Dundalk earlier in the campaign. There was a good edge to our start too — we were on the front foot, composed in possession and, for spells, the better side.
But football has a way of punishing even brief lapses, and Dundalk provided a harsh reminder of that. After ten minutes came the sucker punch. We conceded from a set piece again, something that has been a recurring issue this season. Good teams pride themselves on defending dead-ball situations, and right now we simply aren’t doing that well enough. The first contact from an inswinging corner went to Dundalk, and the ball ended up in our net. It’s a pattern we have to fix, and quickly, if we’re serious about climbing the table.
Worse followed not long after. Dundalk doubled their lead and, again, it was a poor goal to give away. We didn’t defend our box with enough conviction or organisation. At 2-0 down, and given what had happened earlier in the season at Oriel Park, there was an understandable fear among supporters that this could turn into another long night.
When you go two goals down before half-time, it can shape everything — confidence, decision-making, and the overall flow of the game. The next goal becomes absolutely crucial. It either kills the contest or brings it back to life.
Fortunately for us, we found that lifeline. Scoring in injury time at the end of the first half completely changed the complexion of the night. It’s hard to overstate the importance of a goal at that moment. Instead of going in deflated and staring at a mountain to climb, suddenly there’s belief, energy, and a sense that the game is still there to be won.
Credit has to go to the manager and the coaching staff for holding their nerve at half-time. It would have been easy to make changes out of frustration, but they trusted what was on the pitch. I’d imagine that decision may have been very different if we hadn’t got that goal just before the interval.
Whatever was said in the dressing room had the desired effect because the second-half performance was a complete contrast. The tempo lifted, the pressing improved, and there was a real purpose about everything we did. We took control of the game — not just in spells, but for sustained periods.
The equaliser came just after the hour mark, and from that point you could sense the momentum had fully swung in our favour. Dundalk, who looked comfortable earlier on, were suddenly under pressure. We pushed on, knowing the next goal would be decisive.
We kept asking questions and, with five minutes to go, we found the answer. The fifth goal of the game — always the defining one — went our way, and it proved to be the winner. From 2-0 down to 3-2 up, it was a turnaround built on belief, resilience, and a much higher level of performance in the second half.
It was a huge win, not just in terms of points but psychologically as well. It pulls us back into the fight and keeps us within touching distance of Sligo. Their draw against Shelbourne nudged the gap slightly, but the important thing is that we are still right there applying pressure.
Now the focus shifts quickly because it’s another massive week ahead. A trip to the Brandywell to face Derry City is never easy, and the challenge is even greater with their newly laid grass pitch, which looked excellent in its first outing. It should suit a good game of football, and that’s something we need to embrace.
It will be a long journey home, but there’s at least a bit of excitement to accompany it. Pico Lopes and Cape Verde’s World Cup adventure continues, and they’re set to face Argentina in the knockout stages. Watching that on the way back will certainly lift spirits. Pico has been outstanding throughout the tournament — a humble professional who deserves all the recognition coming his way.
Realistically, Argentina — with Lionel Messi in top form — will be favourites, and strongly so. But for Cape Verde, it’s a free hit. They’ve already made a mark, and now it’s about enjoying the occasion and the exposure their performances have brought.
Back on the domestic front, there’s also the small matter of the transfer window reopening. July is always a tricky window. You’re often bringing in players from the UK who haven’t played competitively since April or May, and you need them to get up to speed immediately with only a limited number of games left.
There will be movement — both in and out — and the club will be working hard behind the scenes to identify players who can genuinely strengthen the group. Recruitment at this stage of the season is critical. Get it right, and it can lift a team; get it wrong, and it can set you back.
After Friday night, though, there’s a renewed belief. The challenge now is to build on it, tighten up defensively — especially on set pieces — and carry that second-half level into the weeks ahead. If we do that, the fight to climb the table and avoid trouble becomes a lot more achievable.
