As Waterford face into the biggest football match in their history Gavin Cummiskey talks to manager Pat Nugent about his preparations and why he feels undermined by his county board

For an All-Ireland semi-final, it's not exactly a glamour tie. But underneath the reputations that will garner mostly blank looks, the credentials of Dublin and Waterford point to a Sunday afternoon in Thurles that could spring a few surprises.

After needing a replay to dispose of Clare in the opening round, a fancied Cork outfit that was able to hold hurlers John Gardiner and Setanta Ó hAilpín in reserve, was expected to wipe the floor with Waterford.

But the odds were defied and victory against Cork was followed up by a momentous win over a Kerry side full of attacking quality in the shape of players such as Colin Cooper, Declan O'Sullivan and Declan Quill. Suddenly after so many years of living in the shadow of hurling Waterford football was in the limelight.

"The key component in the Kerry match was the Cork match," said Waterford manager Pat Nugent. "After being nine points down (against Cork) and then two points down against Kerry going into the closing stages we benefited a lot from the previous experience."

Even still Waterford are not being given much of a chance against a Dublin side that has much to prove. The management needs to make up for a disastrous senior campaign while several of the panel will have vivid memories of last year's thrashing by Galway in the under-21 All-Ireland final.

To Nugent, this isn't a major concern. "The bookies haven't given us much of a chance, four to one, against, in a two-horse race? They (Dublin) will be meticulous, I heard they have already been down to Thurles, so they will leave no area of preparation untouched."

But while Nugent is unconcerned about Dublin's preparations and appears content to trust in his team's abilities, his squad been dealt a body-blow in recent weeks.

The loss of Ger Hayes is incalculable. The senior full back tore his cruciate ligament against Kerry and what should have been the pinnacle of an under-21 career that has lasted for three years has become a nightmare.

"Preparations are going okay but we are without our full back for Sunday," said Nugent. "I think he is a big loss, especially considering his experience of the last two years. However, Eamon (Walsh) is a good substitute."

As a student at UCWalsh, along with team-mate Edmund Rockett, has first-hand knowledge of several opponents and the pair would even know the ways of Dublin mentor Dave Billings, who is also manager of the college's footballers.

Nugent also feels he is being hindered by his own county board. With the biggest football match in the county's history on the horizon Nugent was disappointed with the board's decision to hold matches last weekend.

"It was disgraceful," he said. "I don't want to make an issue of this or take the emphasis off the players but if it was hurling it would be different."

The staging of matches last week was almost disastrous. Full forward Shane Walsh and captain Niall Hennessy found themselves marking each other and clashed. Hennessy suffered a mild concussion but has been given the all-clear for this Sunday.

Ultimately, Nugent believes that despite the hindrances, his charges have enough in reserve to see them through against Dublin.

"There is no need to motivate these lads, all of them have a bit of confidence," he says.

Waterford are ready. There's little more further preparation will achieve. Nugent knows it and more mundane matters now occupy his thoughts. Simple logistics. "The main priority is the timing on Sunday," he smiled. "Making sure we depart Dungarvan with time to avoid the traffic is a big factor."