Small tweaks can tip the scales - Football final replay preview

 

Stradbally v The Nire
7.00 at Fraher Field
Referee: Alan Kissane

Betting
Stradbally Evens Draw 11/2 The Nire 6/5

History in the making as the Waterford football final takes place under lights for the first time and follows the example of Donegal last weekend. The work is largely completed at this stage in both corners so it is all about rest and recovery over the past week. There is unlikely to be changes in personnel but will we see some tactical variations?

The Nire bolted from the blocks last Sunday and despite the fact that lightening may not strike twice, they will have recognised the need to keep the tempo high for a more sustained period this time around. Stradbally manager Pat Curran admitted afterwards that they managed to take the sting out of their opponents as the game wore on. “I thought the backs stifled well and when we stood in front of them for the quick frees and forced them to kick it long it suited us better.” They should look to keep Liam Lawlor close to goal as he scored three points and set up two from that position.  This made his move further out the field during the second half all the more perplexing. At the other end, The Nire will be pleased with how they marshalled the Ahearne brothers and will be hoping for a repeat of the dose on Saturday. Their savage work rate which forced several turnovers will also need to be replicated.

Will Stradbally pump direct ball into their forwards or work it in using more intricate means? They found it difficult to feed the Ahearnes and as a result they couldn’t put The Nire defence under significant pressure even with the aid of the breeze. Niall Curran also only flickered in and out of the action. David Grey has fallen down the pecking order up front but he could be a viable option to improve their scoring return. Stradbally also need to tidy up their distribution. In the slippery conditions the Reds dropped far too much ball for their liking and they gave away possession cheaply at times.

Whichever team brings that element of surprise or fresh approach can take the spoils. Stradbally are the replay specialists and won’t make as many basic errors in possession again. They will also feel that they gained the upper hand at midfield and will again rely heavily on Michael Walsh. In other areas however, they have more ground to make up than their opponents from the first day out and if you look at the six starting forwards on both sides, The Nire carry a greater scoring threat. If they can play with same zip that they displayed in the opening twenty minutes of the drawn game and take a couple of pointers from their subsequent dip in performance, they can finally end their replay jinx against the Reds.

Stradbally v The Nire The Replay Records

2002: Stradbally 3-8 The Nire 2-11
Replay: Stradbally 0-12 The Nire 0-10

2004: Stradbally 1-5 The Nire 0-8
Replay: Stradbally 2-8 The Nire 1-4

2005: The Nire 0-6 Stradbally 0-6
Replay: Stradbally 1-8 The Nire 1-4