"We've lost out through inexperience"
Waterford FC Head coach Keith Long is a dejected figure after the game. Photo: INPHO/Ryan Byrne.
There was a dejected look on the face of Waterford FC Head Coach Keith Long as he faced the media after Friday’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division loss at the hands of Shelbourne in front of the Virgin Media cameras at Tolka Park as late goals gave the league leaders a vital victory.
But Long was left pondering a number of key moments in the game including a mistake from Darragh Leahy that gifted Shels the equalising three minutes after Padraig Amond put his side in front and a penalty that he feels was wrongly awarded by referee Rob Hennessy ten minutes from time.
Speaking after the game, Keith Long said: “It was a positive display from us, but ultimately we’ve lost the game. From our perspective we wanted to play the game in their half as much as we could.
“There was elements of our play that were really good and we got ahead in the game, but the disappointment is we didn’t stay ahead for long. It was only three or four minutes, and it’s a mistake that allows them back into the game and to get the dander of the crowd up.
“If we go in at half-time a goal ahead maybe it changes the complexion of the game but I don’t know. We defended well, won our duels and passed the ball around at times, even if we were sometimes loose. I think that Shels found a way to win tonight.
“We’re in the dugout on the far side and I saw Chrissie Patterson clearing the ball. I think Chrissie makes contact, but to be fair to the referee he’s at another angle. I didn’t think it was a penalty. Conor Kearns makes a great save then to deny Dean McMenamy at the other end. So yeah, they are the fine margins in big games like this.” With two games to go in the season, Long believes that there is a lot left to play for. “We’ve got two games to play with an obligation to ourselves and the club to win them. It’s very simple really. We get back to work and prepare for Bohs next Friday. The boys have worked extremely hard tonight.
“There wasn’t a huge amount between the teams, but they’ve got experienced whereas we are a young side. I think we’re the youngest in the division and you could see that naivety at times. We’re not as streetwise as others, don’t managing the referee as well as they do.
“That’s part of the process with young players. The club want to continue to move forward and we’ll attack next week and try to put in a good display. You can’t fault the attitude of the players, the work ethic, and the rest, but at times you can ask for more quality, better execution in the final third.
“I’m delighted for Padraig Amond scoring again tonight. He’s a model pro, someone respected inside and outside the dressing-room and around the league by players and officials. He’s been excellent for us, and you can’t ask for anything more from him.”
The Blues Head Coach admitted that his side needs more experience next season. “I need to address the lack of experience. Podge is by some distance the oldest player in the dressing room. We’re not the most vocal and need more solidity and experience.
“Those games with fine margins we need to start eking results from, turning draws into wins and losses into draws. Experience will help you in that department further done the line. That’s something that we’ll look at trying to do, but it’s easier said than done.
“As a newly promoted club, our primary objective was staying up and we’ve done that. We’ve been competitive in all games but lost too many for my liking. Part of that is having experience, leaders and winners in your dressing room.
“It can be difficult to attract experienced players because the Dublin thing for their bigger clubs is an attraction. At the same time, players are available and we have to be smart in our recruitment.
“That’s across your squad, getting men in there. It’s no coincidence that the age profile of title challengers is 27 to 29. Shamrock Rovers are experienced, Shelbourne have it too and some young players so from our point of view, I think it’s about getting the blend right.”
