Following last night's fixtures in the League of Ireland First Division, we are at the halfway point of proceedings, with the promotion picture setting out as a two-horse race.
But football is a funny old game, and if the League of Ireland has taught us anything, we should very much expect the unexpected.
90+4’ Full time in Mounthawk Park and it’s an excellent 6-0 Blues win.
Roland Idowu, Ronan Coughlan (4) & Barry Baggley on the scoresheet to make it six points from six this weekend.
Massive thanks to the Blues fans who travelled - home to Bray on Friday.
0-6 #KERvWAT pic.twitter.com/YJ2LN8spTA
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) June 5, 2023
Beginning in Mounthawk Park and what was an impressive away day for Keith Long's men, as Waterford FC ran out 6-0 winners.
The imperious Ronan Coughlan hit four on the night, his second time achieving the feat this season and his 23rd goal this year.
Roland Idowu and Barry Baggley notched the other two goals, as the Blues remain ten points behind runaway leader Galway United with a 13-point cushion over third-placed Athlone Town.
Speaking after the game, head coach Long felt it took some time for his side to grow into the tie.
"I thought we struggled early on in the game to find our rhythm - to find our passing range - which is natural enough on a difficult surface," he said.
"But once we got the first goal - we had to be patient up to that point, and we probably were a little bit too eager to get the ball forward too quickly instead of creating opportunities."
He added, "Once we got ahead, we never looked likely to concede."
📽️ 𝙋𝙤𝙨𝙩 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙘𝙝 𝙍𝙚𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 - 𝙆𝙚𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙇𝙤𝙣𝙜
We caught up with Head Coach Keith Long following this afternoon’s 6-0 win away to Kerry FC.
Back in action this Friday at home to Bray Wanderers - tickets now on sale 👇
🎫 https://t.co/SgCy0Xa3pB #WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/9AQjxfb3cc
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) June 5, 2023
James Keddy's Wexford FC shared the points with Treaty United in Markets Field following a 1-1 draw.
It's a result that leaves the side very much in the promotion playoff conversation, sitting three points behind fifth-placed Bray Wanderers.
And that's full time! We leave Market's Field with a point 🟣🟡 pic.twitter.com/Ib4aqIc5Gb
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 5, 2023
Wexford took a deserved lead after 15 minutes through Darragh Levingston, with a contender for goal of the season.
The 21-year-old collected the ball outside the box and controlled it excellently before volleying from a distance.
💫Absolute rocket from Darragh Levingston last night!
Top class 👏 pic.twitter.com/b3ayioBscg
— Wexford FC (@WexfordFC) June 6, 2023
Speaking to Beat Sport after the game, Keddy felt it was a good result considering the absentees from the first team.
"We collected a really good point away from home, against a team that will definitely be in the playoffs," he said.
"We did so without some key players through injury and suspension."
𝗙𝗨𝗟𝗟-𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗘
A comprehensive victory for United in the sunshine 🤩
Next up, we face Wexford FC away from home on Friday ⏭️
GAL 6-0 FIN #ItsATribalThing | #GALFIN pic.twitter.com/EjyF9GdQDt
— Gaillimh Aontaithe (@GalwayUnitedFC) June 5, 2023
Galway United were emphatic victories at Eamonn Deacy Park, hitting the visiting Finn Harps for six.
The win solidifies their place at the head of the table, with a trip to Ferrycarrig Park on Friday, June 9th, to face off against Wexford.
Full-Time
A good bank holiday weekend!
🔵⚫️3-1🟢⚪️#CmonTheTown | #SupportLocal
🔵⚫️ pic.twitter.com/iXRYDt8g2t— Athlone Town AFC (@AthloneTownAFC) June 5, 2023
Third-placed Athlone Town enjoyed a 3-1 win over Ian Ryan's Bray, making it six points from six over the bank holiday weekend.
The result sees them ahead of Cobh Ramblers on goal difference, with a trip to Kerry to come.
FT Ramblers 1-0 Longford
Back to winning ways with a hard-earned win in the sun
Wilson Waweru with a superb header to take the three points #CRFC 🟣🔵 pic.twitter.com/vv9vIkAnF6
— Cobh Ramblers FC (@CobhRamblersFC) June 5, 2023
Finally, Cobh were impressive winners at home to Longford Town.
In scorching conditions in Cork, the home faithful enjoyed an entertaining fixture and a first win in five league fixtures.
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