Shamrock Rovers must regroup quickly for a home game against Waterford after a disappointing 2-0 away defeat to St Patrick's Athletic last week. The loss, which featured what the coaching staff called 'two really poor goals', leaves the Hoops second in the Premier Division with 56 points from 30 games.

Jason McClelland opened the scoring for the hosts after just four minutes, with Aidan Keena adding a second on 33 minutes. Despite creating chances, Rovers could not find a response, extending a winless run in the league to five matches. The team's recent form reads LDDLD, a sequence they are desperate to end. The defeat at Richmond Park was particularly frustrating as the team's performance data showed they had 62% possession and created an expected goals (xG) total of 1.8 compared to St Pat's 1.2, but failed to convert their dominance into a result.

"We gave away two really poor goals, which ultimately cost us," a member of the coaching staff said. "I felt on the night that a lot of what we did was very good and when we reviewed it, we did feel that."

Attention has now turned fully to Thursday's visit of Waterford, who sit eighth. The visitors have been in strong form under manager Graham Coughlan, with their league record since his appointment putting them top of the form table. They have taken 20 points from their last 10 games, a run that includes six wins.

Team news sees defender Enda Stevens miss out after coming off early against St Pat's with a hamstring strain. There is better news regarding forward Naj Razi, who has trained all week and received medical clearance following a fractured cheekbone. The rest of the injury situation is unchanged, meaning long-term absentees Jack Byrne and Rory Gaffney remain sidelined.

With four of their final six league games at Tallaght Stadium, starting with this one, the focus in training has been on rebuilding defensive solidity. The players have responded with focus, quickly moving on from the last result. The full fixtures list shows the importance of this home stretch. Manager Stephen Bradley emphasised the need to start converting performances into points, stating that the team's process remains strong but the outcomes must improve immediately.

Shamrock Rovers won the last meeting between the sides 2-0 in June. A repeat performance is needed to stay in the standings and get their title challenge back on track. Kick-off at Tallaght Stadium is on Thursday, 18 September.

Read the full report at Shamrock Rovers FC