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League of Ireland First Division Preview: Waterford begin life with Keith Long

League of Ireland First Division Preview: Waterford begin life with Keith Long
Keith Long Waterford FC

Waterford FC welcome Finn Harps to the RSC and will be without the familiar face of Danny Searle. Instead, League of Ireland veteran Keith Long will lead out the Blues, with fans eager to witness his Premier experience.

Speaking ahead of the game, Waterford's new head coach said: "I want to try get off to a winning start. I’ve come in the day before the first match but I’ve been able to rely on Brian, Gary and David and their knowledge of the players.

"I’ll be looking for a really good performance tomorrow night; if we do that we give ourselves a really good chance.

"We want to try put a sequence of good results together starting on Friday."

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He takes over a side that occupies the final playoff promotion spot on eight points, with a game in hand over their rivals.

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Kick-off at the RSC is at 7.45 pm.

Getting underway at the same time in Ferrycarrig Park, James Keddy's Wexford will entertain Treaty United.

His side is positioned one place below Long's men and is hunting for a third straight victory at home.

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Speaking to Beat Sport, Keddy hopes for a good response from his side.

"We hope to get back to winning ways this evening," he said.

"We are looking forward to the challenge ahead!"

Leaders Galway United are on the road to take on Athlone Town.

Manager John Caulfield spoke ahead of Friday night’s fixture: "We’re looking to keep our run going.

"They are really powerful up front in the forward positions, but at the same time, we’re on a really good run of form and we want to keep it going."

Cobh Ramblers host Bray Wanderers in a battle of second versus third.

Ian Ryan's Bray are yet to taste defeat in 2023.

Two of the three sides without a victory to their name face off tomorrow as Longford Town welcomes Kerry FC for the first time.

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