O’Brien’s Reds return to Tolka looking to build on Dublin Derby win | OneFootball

The Reds return to action on Friday night as they welcome Waterford FC to Tolka Park in the SSE Airtricity League Men’s Premier Division, looking to build on last week’s 0-1 win away to St Patrick’s Athletic.

Joey O’Brien’s side picked up a huge three points last week at Richmond Park, producing a disciplined performance and showing real resilience to come away with the victory in a fiercely contested Dublin derby.  The result continued Shels’ strong away form this season and gave the Reds another clean sheet, something O’Brien has been eager to build with the group.

Speaking to ShelsTV after training at the AUL on Thursday, O’Brien said: “It was a big win over St Pats. They’re always a tough team to play and they’re in good form. It was a great win for us and the fans and I’m really looking forward to Friday night against Waterford.”

Attention now turns to another important league clash, with Waterford arriving at Tolka having shown signs of improved form in recent weeks under new management. The last meeting between the sides ended in a 1-1 draw, and O’Brien is expecting another tough encounter.

“They have a new manager and they’re finding some form,” he said. “They were unlucky against Derry and had a great win over Drogheda recently which will give them some confidence.  “It’s always a tough game and we’ve had some great battles in recent years. There hasn’t been a lot between us in recent meetings with them, so we expect a tough game.”

While Shels’ away form tops the league, attention now turns to improving results at Tolka Park, something O’Brien says the group is aware of and focused on changing. “The fans have been brilliant and were brilliant over in Inchicore last week. It definitely gives the lads a boost,” he said. “We know where we’re at with home and away form but we’re looking forward to Friday night and are fully focussed on coming away with three points”.

On the team news front, John Martin and Kerr McInroy will both miss Friday night’s game through suspension after accumulating yellow cards. Captain Paddy Barrett is set to return to the squad following the passing of his beloved mother two weeks ago. O’Brien said: “He’s been back in training this week and it’s great to have him back in the building. He’s a leader in the group and an inspiration. It’s been a difficult few weeks for him but there’s an emotional connection to the club and fans and we all are behind him.”

The Reds will be hoping to carry the momentum from last week’s derby success into another big night under the lights at Tolka Park.