Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Shelbourne defeated Waterford 1:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by A. Odubeko 14′. 4 yellow cards were shown, 1 red card. Waterford had 35% possession while Shelbourne held 65%. Waterford had 12 shots (1 on target) compared to 14 (4 on target) for Shelbourne. Waterford made 4 substitutions, Shelbourne made 5.
Match Events
Key match events between Waterford and Shelbourne — 1 goal and 5 cards recorded during the match.
assist: S. Boyd
Match Statistics
Waterford had 35% possession against Shelbourne's 65%. Waterford registered 12 shots (1 on target) while Shelbourne managed 14 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 5–2. Fouls committed: 12–11.
Lineups
Waterford lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation under John Coleman, while Shelbourne deployed a 4-4-2 under Joseph Martin O'Brien.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Waterford is 6.96, compared to 6.96 for Shelbourne. This metric is derived from each player's average match rating across all league appearances this season — anything above 7.00 is considered strong, while below 6.50 signals inconsistency. Waterford's highest-rated starter is S. McMullan (7.68), while Shelbourne's best-rated player is H. Wood (7.24).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Waterford have contributed 8 goals and 3 assists this season, led by T. Lonergan (4G). Shelbourne's starters account for 20 goals and 15 assists, spearheaded by H. Wood (9G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Waterford deploy 3 defenders rated — on average, against Shelbourne's 4-man backline averaging 6.89. Higher defensive ratings suggest better positional awareness, fewer individual errors, and a greater likelihood of keeping clean sheets. The rating accounts for tackles won, interceptions, aerial duels, and blocks throughout the season.
Midfield Control
Waterford field 4 midfielders averaging 6.88, versus Shelbourne's 5 rated 7.07. Midfield ratings reflect passing accuracy, interceptions, key passes, and overall control of possession — the team that dominates midfield typically dictates the tempo and territory of the match.
Forward Threat
Waterford start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.75, compared to 1 for Shelbourne averaging 6.89. Forward ratings capture shot accuracy, movement off the ball, dribbling success, and involvement in build-up play — they indicate who carries the greater goal threat on the day.
Passing & Build-Up
Passing accuracy averages 64% for Waterford and 48% for Shelbourne. Higher passing accuracy generally indicates a possession-based style with patient build-up through the thirds, while lower figures may suggest a more direct, counter-attacking approach with long balls and quick transitions.
Discipline
Waterford's starters have collected 6 yellow cards this season, compared to 48 for Shelbourne. Yellow cards reflect how aggressively a team presses and tackles — a high count may indicate a physical, high-pressing style but also risks suspensions and late free-kicks in dangerous areas.
Age & Experience
The average age of Waterford's starting XI is 24.8 (youngest: S. McMullan (21), oldest: P. Amond (37)), while Shelbourne average 26.7 (youngest: E. Caffrey (22), oldest: S. Gannon (34)). Younger squads typically offer pace, energy, and pressing intensity, while experienced lineups bring composure, game management, and the ability to handle high-pressure moments.
Squad Depth
Waterford's starters average 13 league appearances each, versus 28 for Shelbourne. High appearance counts indicate an established, well-drilled unit that the manager trusts week in and week out. Lower figures may suggest rotation, injuries, or emerging players still earning their place in the team.
Substitutes
Coach: John Coleman
Substitutes
Coach: Joseph Martin O'Brien
Rivalry since 2020
Waterford vs Shelbourne Head to Head Results· 13
Waterford and Shelbourne have met 13 times — Waterford won 2, Shelbourne won 7, with 4 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2020. Shelbourne leads the head-to-head with 7 victories from 13 meetings. A combined 28 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.15 per match (10 for the home side, 18 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 7 matches (54%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 4 games (31%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shelbourne are currently unbeaten in the last 4 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–1 in 2025.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Waterford have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Shelbourne show 1 win, 2 draws and 3 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026