+34
Waterford’s advantage over the relegation play-off position has now been cut to goal difference.
Waterford FC 2 Derry City 2 WATERFORD FC TWICE fought back from behind but were left frustrated after a dramatic SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division encounter with Derry City ended in a 2-2 draw at a rain-soaked RSC on Monday night.
The Blues dominated the closing stages and created enough opportunities to claim all three points, but a combination of resilient defending and excellent goalkeeping from Thomas Norcott ensured the visitors escaped the south-east with a share of the spoils. With Drogheda United securing a surprise victory over Shelbourne elsewhere, Waterford’s advantage over the relegation play-off position has now been cut to goal difference with just five matches remaining, increasing the importance of every point in the run-in.
Start The visitors made an impressive start and almost grabbed an early lead in the sixth minute when James Clarke unleashed a superb left-footed effort that crashed off the Waterford crossbar. Three minutes later Derry did find the breakthrough in spectacular fashion. Clarke won possession in midfield and quickly fed former Waterford midfielder Adam O’Reilly, who looked up before sending an audacious strike from around 40 yards over Stephen McMullan and into the net.
Derry City's Adam O'Reilly celebrates after scoring his side's first goal of the match with Cameron Dummigan and Darragh Burns. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO Playing against driving rain and swirling winds, Waterford struggled initially to build momentum but gradually began to impose themselves. Benny Couto, a constant threat from set-pieces, caused problems for the Derry defence throughout the opening half.
One of his free-kicks on 36 minutes eventually fell kindly for Conan Noonan, whose first-time effort was deflected behind for a corner. Moments later, the home side came even closer. Noah Mawene released Couto down the left and his delivery picked out Tommy Lonergan, but Norcott produced an important save before gathering the rebound. Paid Off Waterford’s growing pressure finally paid off in the final minute of the opening period.
Couto’s dangerous free-kick was kept alive by Hayden Cann and, after Jorgen Voilas saw his effort blocked by Jamie Stott, Evan McLaughlin reacted quickest to hammer the loose ball home from close range. The hosts nearly completed the turnaround within seconds of the restart. Patrick McClean misjudged a long clearance from McMullan, allowing Lonergan a clear run on goal, but Norcott stood firm to deny the striker. Advertisement That opportunity proved costly as Derry regained the lead on 51 minutes.
Clarke was again the architect, slipping a pass into Michael Duffy. The experienced attacker turned away from Mawene before producing a superb curling finish that nestled in the top corner beyond the helpless McMullan. To their credit, Waterford responded immediately. Just six minutes later they were level again when Couto’s corner from the right found captain Padraig Amond peeling away at the back post.
The veteran forward generated tremendous power in his header, giving Norcott no chance as the ball flew into the roof of the net. Waterford's Padraig Amond. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO The equaliser lifted both the crowd and the home side. Amond almost added a second shortly afterwards when he collected possession on the edge of the area, but his effort drifted over the crossbar.
As the game entered its final stages, Waterford pushed forward relentlessly in search of a winner. Amond created an opening for Dean McMenamy, whose effort also cleared the bar, while at the opposite end Kevin Dos Santos slipped at a crucial moment after being set up by Duffy. The closest either side came to a decisive goal arrived in the final minute of normal time.
Another dangerous Couto corner found Lonergan unmarked at the back post and his powerful header looked destined for the net until Duffy somehow cleared off the line. Press Waterford continued to press deep into stoppage time. Kevin Long headed narrowly wide before Sam Glenfield forced an excellent save from Norcott with virtually the last kick of the game.
Despite their late dominance, the Blues were forced to settle for a point from an entertaining contest that could have gone either way. Waterford FC: McMullan; Cann, Mahon, Long; Voilas, Mawene , McLaughlin , Noonan , Couto; Lonergan, Amond. Derry City: Norcott; Dummigan, Stott, McClean; Burns , Twisk, O’Reilly, Fleming; Boyce, Duffy, Clarke . Referee: Kevin O’Sullivan . Attendance: 1,666.
League Of Ireland LOI Waterford FC
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Haaland Goal Gives 10-Man Manchester City 1-0 Derby Win at UnitedErling Haaland scored on 60 minutes as Manchester City beat Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite Phil Foden's 22nd-minute red card.
Read more »
Dublin 7 Residents Submit 400+ Requests to End Bin Bag MandateDublin City Council received over 400 submissions from residents of Dublin 7 demanding the removal of mandatory bin bags amid ongoing waste-management disputes. The city plans to shift focus to the southside early next year, following years of resistance to paid bin collection and public protests that disrupted waste services.
Read more »
Irish country singer Cliona Hagan to take to Panto stageCliona Hagan will take to the stage this winter in the upcoming SETU Arena pantomime in Waterford. Here's what you need to know!
Read more »
VAR who awarded Manchester City goal not assigned to Premier League match this weekendMatt Donohue and assistant Blake Antrobus, who approved a disputed goal in the Manchester City vs United derby, will miss this weekend's Premier League fixtures after a review identified an error of judgement. They are scheduled to return to top‑flight duty no earlier than 10 October.
Read more »