Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Shamrock Rovers defeated Waterford 1:0. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by R. Gaffney 74′. 4 yellow cards were shown. Shamrock Rovers had 64% possession while Waterford held 36%. Shamrock Rovers had 23 shots (7 on target) compared to 6 (4 on target) for Waterford. Shamrock Rovers made 5 substitutions, Waterford made 3.
Match Events
Key match events between Shamrock Rovers and Waterford — 1 goal and 4 cards recorded during the match.
Match Statistics
Shamrock Rovers had 64% possession against Waterford's 36%. Shamrock Rovers registered 23 shots (7 on target) while Waterford managed 6 (4 on target). Corner kicks: 4–0. Fouls committed: 9–11.
Lineups
Shamrock Rovers lined up in a 5-3-2 formation under Stephen Bradley, while Waterford deployed a 5-3-2 under John Coleman.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Shamrock Rovers is 7.05, compared to 6.78 for Waterford. 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. Shamrock Rovers's highest-rated starter is R. Lopes (7.27), while Waterford's best-rated player is S. McMullan (7.68).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Shamrock Rovers have contributed 31 goals and 26 assists this season, led by G. Burke (7G). Waterford's starters account for 7 goals and 1 assists, spearheaded by T. Lonergan (4G). Goals reflect clinical finishing and chance creation, while assists highlight the ability to unlock defences through through-balls, crosses, and set pieces.
Defensive Solidity
Shamrock Rovers deploy 5 defenders rated 7.08 on average, against Waterford's 4-man backline averaging —. 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
Shamrock Rovers field 3 midfielders averaging 7.09, versus Waterford's 4 rated 6.41. 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
Shamrock Rovers start 2 forward(s) averaging 7.01, compared to 2 for Waterford averaging 6.70. 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 55% for Shamrock Rovers and 56% for Waterford. 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
Shamrock Rovers's starters have collected 47 yellow cards this season, compared to 7 for Waterford. 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 Shamrock Rovers's starting XI is 27.1 (youngest: M. Noonan (17), oldest: R. Lopes (33)), while Waterford average 23.8 (youngest: J. Dempsey (20), oldest: P. Amond (37)). 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
Shamrock Rovers's starters average 30 league appearances each, versus 10 for Waterford. 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: Stephen Bradley
Substitutes
Coach: John Coleman
Rivalry since 2019
Shamrock Rovers vs Waterford Head to Head Results· 20
Shamrock Rovers and Waterford have met 20 times — Shamrock Rovers won 17, Waterford won 2, with 1 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Shamrock Rovers leads the head-to-head with 17 victories from 20 meetings. A combined 65 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 3.25 per match (47 for the home side, 18 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 14 matches (70%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 14 games (70%), making it a fixture that tends to produce goals. Shamrock Rovers are currently unbeaten in the last 7 meetings. The highest-scoring encounter finished 6–1 in 2020.
Recent Meetings
Recent Form
In their last 6 matches, Shamrock Rovers have recorded 2 wins, 1 draw and 3 defeats. Waterford show 0 wins, 3 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