"A Munster derby win means more to the supporters" - Amond
Padraig Amond celebrates his goal against Cork City. Photo: Sportsfile
Waterford FC skipper Padraig Amond believes that the League of Ireland Premier Division is more competitive than ever after scoring in his side's Munster derby success over Cork City in front of the TV cameras on Monday last.
Amond brought the Blues level early in the second-half with a neat first-time finish before crossing for Tommy Lonergan’s header that was eventually finished by Kyle White after keeper Tein Troost made a top save to deny the striker.
Speaking after the game, Amond said: “It’s nice isn’t it? It’s nice to get the first home win of the season. I think that was the most pleasing thing and more important thing that has come out of tonight.
“For as professional as we are, these games are always going to mean a lot, but it goes to mean more to the supporters because they’re the ones these are the first four games that they look at on the fixture list at the start of the season.
“It’s important to keep the supporters onside and onboard. We’ll give everything that we can on the pitch and I think that showed tonight.” On getting off the mark, Amond added: “It doesn’t really bother me to tell you the truth. I genuinely don’t care if I go the season without scoring once I’m contributing to the team. That’s what it’s all about.
“it’s about putting the team above yourself. I’d happily do that every week to make sure that we do the best that we can do and we can finish as high as possible. We’re not getting carried away by any means because we know it’s going to be a tough league and how competitive it is.
“it was important that we backed up the Derry result. It’s all good and well going to Derry and winning those games when nobody is giving you a chance, but when there’s a bit of pressure on you tonight, that’s where it’s important that you win. The bragging rights are with our supporters, which is really important.”
The Blues captain believes that it’s all about building momentum. “ I think that the league is going to be competitive this year and there’s no teams that are going to run away with it. Everyone will probably look at it that there are probably two leagues, the top five and the next five. There are four or five teams realistically going to be looking to win the league.
“It’s up to the other four or five to try to break into that top five to try to get those European places. We’re probably in the latter five if the truth be told. At the minute, we’re not. We’re going well, but it’s only a start. There’s some very talented teams and players in the other clubs and they’ll probably have a lot of money to spend in the summer.
“It’s up to us to put as many points on the board as possible and go with the flow and see what way we are. We’re taking it one game at a time and it’s working well. Let’s keep it going that way.
“I think that we might have gotten a bit carried away in the middle stage of the last season, but I think that we’re more experienced this year. Having someone like Andy Boyle and the age profile is more experienced so hopefully we can keep it going.”
