Football: Class touch of Frost just tonic for Blues

WATERFORD'S John Frost may be the youngest captain in the eircom league, but the 23-year-old is very clear about what he wants.

After guiding his side to a 1-1 draw against leaders Shelbourne at Tolka Park - a far cry from the opening day 4-0 battering by them - he insisted: "We are in the Premier Division to stay."

Frost claims the Blues sensational early season form is no flash in the pan and the defender added: "We were bitterly disappointed that we didn't win.

"It's no coincidence that we're doing so well. We have worked hard for what we've got and deserve to be where we are.

"We wanted to do well against Shelbourne not just to set the record straight after being beaten by them 4-0 in our opening league fixture but also to prove to the rest of the league that we aren't just in the Premier Division to survive. We're here to stay.

"People can laugh if they like, but we consider ourselves to be serious title contenders. We think we're good enough to be a force in the league, certainly to be among the top four at any rate."

Waterford's main shortcoming is the size of their squad.

He said: "We're new to the Premier Division and we're trying to build a squad. But we realise it isn't the biggest, so suspensions and injuries do affect us. But when we're at full-strength we're more than a match for anyone."

Shels almost discovered this to their cost and it required a second-half equaliser from stand-in striker Ger McCarthy to cancel out Gary O'Neill's fifth minute opener for Waterford, who should have gone on to win the game but striker Daryl Murphy failed to convert three gilt-edged chances.

Shels were below par again but remain the only unbeaten side in the eircom League's top-flight, but they have drawn as many matches as they have won.

But Reds boss Pat Fenlon isn't too bothered and said: "We're not the only side drawing games. The league is so competitive there is nothing between the teams. Most of the games are ending in draws. We rode our luck again, admittedly, but we're still unbeaten 10 matches into the season and I have to be pleased with that."

Blues boss Jimmy McGeough's said his side will continue to be cavalier.

Only Shelbourne have scored more goals than Waterford and no side has conceded more than the boys from the RSC.

But McGeough said: "We won't be shutting up shop, no way. It isn't in our nature. We will continue to give it a right go. We have done well so far up to this point.

"But we could definitely do with a bigger squad. When we have injuries or players suspended it hits us hard, as the 4-1 defeat in Derry proved."

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