"This is a very sweet win for all of us" - Lawlor
Waterford FC manager Matt Lawlor issuing instructions late in the game against Drogheda.
Waterford FC interim Head Coach Matt Lawlor produced the goods once again on his return to the club as the Blues ended a six-game wait for a result after a super 2-0 win over Drogheda United at the RSC on Sunday afternoon last.
Speaking after the game, Lawlor said: “It was hard work, and not enjoyable to watch for me. It was stressful! It ends up being a very sweet win for us. The old cliché coming from me – the standards for us are non-negotiable.
“The high energy, desire, and character. I think that's what this city is built on. I want to see that fight because that's what we are as a club. So for me, yeah, very, very sweet at the end, but not enjoyable throughout.
“I know everyone’s like, I’ve got a new manager bounce a bit, and that I can get them going, but it takes a lot more than that. Training is about setting standards. We have to try to get an understanding of what we want.
“We're very front-foot aggressive and stuff. We want our teams to replicate that. So for us to be able to produce that, we've got to exhibit that as well. So for me, that's what we want to be consistently now.
“Today is great, but if we don't back it up with performances. Obviously, performances lead to results, so we won't let up now.”
Lawlor added: “Games are won and lost with moments. They had a couple of big moments as well. Stevie's pulled off about two or three really good saves for us today. So moments are huge, moments are massive in terms of the game.
“The character came through. Some of the moments that weren't going for us and against us, hence Stevie making the save or Ronan Mansfield getting an unbelievable header at the front post away, and then not quite going in the other end.
“So for us, the moments eventually fell for us. We've got quality like Tommy Lonergan, Podge through the middle, Trae Coyle coming on, making an impact, and then Jesse Dempsey taking his chance unbelievably well. I was really pleased for him.
“I’m a massive admirer of Sam Glenfield, but Dean McMenamy has come in and got his chance through suspension, and he was unbelievable. Dean's got to replicate that now, but he showed the character of the man.
“He showed the character of the situation he's been in recently, not playing and then coming through and showing character, desire, and energy. I keep saying to put in a performance like that. So it was brilliant.
“Jesse Dempsey comes on along with Trae Coyle, and they combined for the goal in injury time, which really kind of secured the win. Yeah, so that's two subs making an impact. That's what you put them on for. So when energy levels drop, they come on to maintain that style of play that we want. They played their part.”
Lawlor had a special mention for Matty Smith, who finally made his appearance after injury. “It’s brilliant to see him get on the pitch, and he got some reception. The reception was unbelievable for him outside with the fans and also in the changing room. “He was just there with the lads, giving him an unbelievable reception. The work's not done for him. He's not quite there. He's only trained one week with the group. We kind of rushed him in because of the quality that he has.
“But we can't keep rushing him because it's obviously at risk. But the mental and physical torture that he's gone through, being told at times how serious the injury is, and then being left in limbo.
“He fully deserved that reception. And when he came on, even though he was blowing after about five or six minutes, it was all good for his hard work from the end.”
