Stephen Bradley praised Shamrock Rovers’ collective application as they closed in on the title with a show of strength.
The Hoops wiped the floor with Waterford as Aaron Greene, Pico Lopes, Lee Grace, Jack Byrne, Graham Burke and Dean Williams all scored in a 6-1 win.
Rovers are now unbeaten in 19 domestic games - league and cup - stretching back to last September.
Eight points clear at the top with six games to go, Bradley said: “I’m delighted because this had the potential to be a difficult game.
“Especially on the back of such a big game here on Thursday against AC Milan, it had the potential to be a really difficult one if we weren't in the right place.
“Our attitude and application had to be right, and obviously our play, but the first two were the most important.
“And I thought from the first minute we were right at it which was pleasing to see.”
Lopes limped off with a tight hamstring late in the game but Bradley is confident the centre-back will be fit for Sunday’s big trip to Dundalk.
“He just felt tight and because the game was out of reach there was no point in taking any chances,” said the Hoops boss.
“He doesn't seem to have an issue with it. He wanted to play on but the game was done and there’s a bigger picture and there’s no point taking that risk.”
And quizzed on the title race, Bradley added: “We just need to go and win Sunday. It will be difficult, we know that.
“But we need to win that game and see what happens with other results.
“If we come with that application, attitude and mindset, like we have done the last few weeks to be fair, we’re very hard to stop.
“Then the quality comes after that. That’s going to be the mindset on Sunday.”
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