Waterford vs Galway United takes center stage at the RSC this evening as Waterford FC continue their search for a first win of the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division season. The Blues return home under pressure after last weekend’s 2-0 defeat away to Sligo Rovers, with Galway United visiting in a game that could shape both sides’ early-season momentum. Kick-off is set for 20: 45 ET on Friday, 24 April 2026.
Waterford vs Galway United at the RSC
Waterford go into the fixture bottom of the table and still waiting for that first league victory. Last month’s 4-3 defeat to Galway at Eamonn Deacy Park still hangs over this meeting, not only because of the result, but because it exposed both Waterford’s threat in attack and their problems at the back.
Manager Jon Daly has no new injury concerns before the match, and Stephen McMullan, Tommy Lonergan, and Sam Glenfield have all returned to the matchday squad in recent weeks. Conan Noonan will be assessed after an ankle knock, while Finlay Armstrong remains sidelined as he continues his recovery. Daly has also pointed to the experience of Galway boss John Caulfield and the structure he brings to his teams, setting up a clear test for Waterford against a well-organised opponent.
Team news and immediate mood
Sam Glenfield has described the match as one the squad believes it can win after a strong week on the training ground. He also paid tribute to the supporters, calling them the “12th man” as Waterford look to build momentum and climb away from the foot of the table. That sense of belief is important, because the margin for error is shrinking with every round.
Galway come into the match after a 2-1 loss on their travels to Dundalk, with Stephen Walsh finding the net in that game. In the previous meeting between the sides, Galway came out on top in a 4-3 contest, and that result is part of the backdrop to another tightly balanced fixture.
What the numbers say
Waterford’s recent form has been difficult to ignore: seven losses and three draws, with goals hard to come by and chances often limited. Galway’s record is steadier, with four wins, four losses and two draws, while Kristopher Twardek leads their scoring charts on five goals.
Both teams have confirmed lineups in a 4-2-3-1 shape, with Arlo Doherty starting in goal for Waterford and Evan Watts selected for Galway. Waterford’s attack features Conor Carty and Padraig Amond, while Galway will look to Stephen Walsh, David Hurley and Twardek to make the difference.
What happens next
Three points would give Waterford a badly needed lift and a possible turning point, but they must produce a strong display to beat a disciplined Galway side. With the game still in the opening stretch of the season, waterford vs galway united now carries more weight than a routine league meeting, and the response at the RSC will matter far beyond this evening.
