Tony Ward says Galway should have used sweeper ploy earlier

Losing manager Tony Ward admitted that the Galway sideline should have moved quicker in putting a sweeper in front of their full-back line.

Galway began in an orthodox formation at Semple Stadium and only opted to put an extra body in defence after Stephen Bennett netted Waterford’s third goal in the 15th minute.

“Maybe, as management, we were a bit slow to do it,” said Ward of their tactics. “The sweeper did slow it down. But then you have five marking six up the other end. Seán [Loftus] has [the sweeper] game off to a tee and he did it very well.