Ex-Colchester United duo play part in Waterford's survival bid

But in a south-eastern corner of Ireland, there is a Colchester United influence that is quietly playing a major part in Waterford Football Club's renaissance.

Former U's favourites Greg Halford and Anthony Wordsworth - who made more than 350 appearances between them for Colchester - are currently plying their trade at the SSE Airtricity League of Ireland Premier Division club, who are making strides in their battle to remain in the top flight.

And presiding over the club's challenge is Mitch Cowling - the son of U's owner Robbie Cowling - who is chairman of the club.

They have played their part in helping Waterford slowly rise up the table under former QPR favourite Marc Bircham, who took over as manager of the Blues in May.

Waterford also boast vastly experienced former Ipswich Town and Sunderland player Daryl Murphy in their ranks.

Wordsworth, who played nearly 200 league and cup games for Colchester between 2006 and 2013, said: "It's a good town, the people are friendly and results help with the enjoyment.

"Things have been going well on the pitch and all in all, it's been a very good experience and one I'm very grateful for.and enjoying.

"It's a good decision coming out here.

"People like myself and Eddie (Nolan), we know what we bring to the team just quietly going about our business and giving the opportunity for these youngsters to shine and show what they're capable of."

Waterford missed out on a spot in this season's FAI Cup Final last Friday when they were beaten by Bohemians.

Their focus is now firmly back on their battle to stay in the premier division and their hopes of staying up were boosted last night with a crucial 2-1 win over Bohemians.

Wordsworth was on target in the victory, which helped Waterford's exact immediate revenge over their cup conquerors.

He said: “We’re absolutely over the moon with that result. It’s a great reaction especially after the other night. It was a big game for us, and it was a chance for us to put it right, and thankfully we did.

“After going 1-0 down, that second half performance is really pleasing. It was great to get the goal because it was playing on my mind a little bit after missing that chance the other night.

"I didn’t sleep very well because I felt I let the team down. I think if that chance had come in the other night, it was a different game.

“When Phoenix rolled the ball across to me especially on my right foot, I was just thinking just hit the target, and I was over the moon to see it go in. it’s a big win for us.

"Our league form of late has been brilliant, and we’re full of confidence after this result.

“We don’t fear nobody. Like I said before this young squad keep coming up trumps, and they’ve done really well.

"We’ve gone above Finn Harps now, and we’re level with Dundalk, who play on Friday. We’re looking forward to that one now.

“It’s getting tight now, but every game is massive for us, and we’re looking froward to them all.

"We are a very close knit group, and that’s always something that I’ve always tried to bring to any club I’ve been at.

"It has to be about team spirit, togetherness, and we have to make sure our changing room is healthy.

“We don’t have to love each other, but we have to get along, and respect each other. I think that second half performance showed that. 

"We ran around for each other, we fought for each other, and that’s just standard procedure at any football club. We’re delighted with this win.”

Halford, who won a historic promotion with Colchester to the Championship in 2006 before helping them claim their highest-ever finish the following season, said: "We've come a long way and we've shown real character.

"We're obviously looking for a lot more points in the few games left in the season.

"We'll try and get maximum points from them."

Waterford, who boast Jim Beglin and John O'Shea among their former players, have been in good form of late in the league.

The Blues won their last league game 4-1 at home to Finn Harps and they will be looking to quickly bounce back from their cup heartache.

Bircham, speaking to the Waterford website, said: “Friday was tough to take. The penalty, the red cards and the offside goal are hard to take but we’ve got to get past that and look to the league.

"We need to make sure we’re focussed on the league from now until the end of the season.

“It’s a quick turnaround so we got the lads in for recovery and then looked to Monday’s game. We’ve got suspensions and injuries but we’ve got to get on with it.

“Our form has been very good so we need to get back to that and look to Monday and then another important trip to Dundalk on Friday.

“For home games we’ve seen massive crowds and to see our fans on Friday was brilliant too and we know how important they’ll be between now and the end of the season.”

Former U's stalwarts Wordsworth and Halford will be hoping to play their part in ensuring Irish eyes are smiling in Waterford, come the end of the campaign.