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Cork come to town as Blues usher in new era

Cork come to town as Blues usher in new era

While the sale of the club has overshadowed on-pitch affairs the last few weeks, the games do keep coming for Waterford FC.

They welcome Cork City to the RSC with just six games remaining in the First Division season including tonight's fixture.

The new ownership era kicks off in ernest today with Andy Pilley in attendance for his first home game since signing on the dotted line to take over the club.

500 flags have been purchased for the fans to create some atmosphere in the ground, while a marquee has been set up at the RSC for pre-game entertainment.

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400 people will be able to gain access to the marquee - with the club stating that it comes on a first come first served basis.

Off-field matters aside, the Blues will need to take their chances tonight against a Cork side who have flattered to deceive in recent outings.

Two league wins in their last five makes for unpleasant reading, but their position as table toppers is all but secure for the end of the season with automatic promotion a neat certainty.

The Blues remain undefeated in their last six outings meanwhile. A run that was seen them pick up wins in four games (including the cup).

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One of the most intriguing parts of this evening's game is whether Waterford play for a win or not. Danny Searle faced criticism from a supporter at the fan forum midweek with questions as to why they didn't push for a late goal in Turners Cross the last time they faced Cork. The manager explained that it's not as simple as win or lose - but a more complex outcome of that result.

He said that if they had taken their late corner, went for goal and got turned over the game could have ended 1-0 to Cork. Searle told the assembled fans that the high spirits in the changing room after that result are a big part of forming the team's morale and sometimes, playing to secure a draw against the league leaders is as good as a win.

While a play off place is now a certainty for the Blues, they can still play for a better spot in the draw. They trail Galway by four points and could well pip the Westerners to second spot if the next few weeks go to plan.

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