Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Waterford defeated Galway United 1:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by D. Leahy 27′. 6 yellow cards were shown. Waterford had 58% possession while Galway United held 42%. Waterford had 15 shots (5 on target) compared to 11 (3 on target) for Galway United. Waterford made 0 substitutions, Galway United made 4.
Match Events
Key match events between Waterford and Galway United — 1 goal and 6 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Waterford had 58% possession against Galway United's 42%. Waterford registered 15 shots (5 on target) while Galway United managed 11 (3 on target). Corner kicks: 6–7. Fouls committed: 12–10.
Lineups
Waterford lined up in a 4-3-1-2 formation under John Coleman, while Galway United deployed a 3-5-2 under Johnathan Caulfield.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Waterford is 6.90, compared to 6.86 for Galway United. 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 Galway United's best-rated player is D. Hurley (7.11).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Waterford have contributed 7 goals and 2 assists this season, led by T. Lonergan (4G). Galway United's starters account for 3 goals and 4 assists, spearheaded by D. Hurley (2G). 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 4 defenders rated — on average, against Galway United's 2-man backline averaging 6.77. 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 6.72, versus Galway United's 6 rated 6.91. 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 2 forward(s) averaging 6.70, compared to 2 for Galway United averaging —. 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 60% for Waterford and 63% for Galway United. 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 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 5 for Galway United. 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 24.2 (youngest: S. Glenfield (20), oldest: P. Amond (37)), while Galway United average 29.7 (youngest: K. Brouder (27), oldest: C. McCormack (35)). 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 12 league appearances each, versus 12 for Galway United. 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: Johnathan Caulfield
Rivalry since 2019
Waterford vs Galway United Head to Head Results· 19
Waterford and Galway United have met 19 times — Waterford won 4, Galway United won 10, with 5 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Galway United leads the head-to-head with 10 victories from 19 meetings. A combined 52 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.74 per match (24 for the home side, 28 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 12 matches (63%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 11 games (58%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Galway United are currently unbeaten in the last 3 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 4–3 in 2026.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Waterford have recorded 0 wins, 3 draws and 3 defeats. Galway United show 1 win, 3 draws and 2 losses from their last 6 outings.
Statistics are for informational purposes only. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
API data: 11 May 2026