Premier Division· Season 2025
Match Summary
Waterford defeated Galway United 4:2. The match was played in Premier Division 2025. Goals were scored by C. Noonan 31′, P. Amond 47′, S. Walsh 59′, D. Leahy 72′, D. McGuinness 74′, P. Amond 77′ (pen.). 6 yellow cards were shown. Galway United had 47% possession while Waterford held 53%. Galway United had 21 shots (7 on target) compared to 11 (6 on target) for Waterford. Galway United made 5 substitutions, Waterford made 2.
Match Events
Key match events between Galway United and Waterford — 6 goals and 6 cards recorded during the match.
assist: R. McDonald
Penalty
Match Statistics
Galway United had 47% possession against Waterford's 53%. Galway United registered 21 shots (7 on target) while Waterford managed 11 (6 on target). Corner kicks: 7–3. Fouls committed: 13–12.
Lineups
Galway United lined up in a 3-4-1-2 formation under Johnathan Caulfield, while Waterford deployed a 3-4-2-1 under John Coleman.
Squad Ratings
The overall squad rating for Galway United is 6.83, compared to 6.99 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. Galway United's highest-rated starter is A. Bolger (7.11), while Waterford's best-rated player is S. McMullan (7.68).
Attacking Output
The starting XI of Galway United have contributed 5 goals and 3 assists this season, led by A. Bolger (2G). Waterford's starters account for 7 goals and 2 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
Galway United deploy 3 defenders rated 6.77 on average, against Waterford's 3-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
Galway United field 4 midfielders averaging 7.11, versus Waterford's 4 rated —. 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
Galway United start 3 forward(s) averaging 6.66, compared to 3 for Waterford averaging 6.75. 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 56% for Galway United and 59% 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
Galway United's starters have collected 9 yellow cards this season, compared to 4 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 Galway United's starting XI is 26.4 (youngest: E. Watts (21), oldest: S. Walsh (35)), while Waterford average 25.3 (youngest: S. McMullan (21), 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
Galway United's starters average 15 league appearances each, versus 13 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: Johnathan Caulfield
Substitutes
Coach: John Coleman
Rivalry since 2019
Galway United vs Waterford Head to Head Results· 19
Galway United and Waterford have met 19 times — Galway United won 10, Waterford won 4, with 5 draws. Their rivalry dates back to 2019. Galway United leads the head-to-head with 10 victories from 19 meetings. A combined 47 goals have been scored across these fixtures, averaging 2.47 per match (26 for the home side, 21 for the visitors). Both teams scored in 11 matches (58%). Over 2.5 goals landed in 10 games (53%), 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, Galway United have recorded 1 win, 3 draws and 2 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