Blues share the spoils with Derry in a rain lashed RSC clash
Waterford's Padraig Amond celebrates after scoring his side's second goal of the match
Waterford FC twice came from behind but were unable to find a decisive winner as they shared the spoils with Derry City in an entertaining SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division clash at the RSC.
On a night when the driving rain and swirling wind made conditions difficult for both sides, Graham Coughlan’s men showed plenty of character to recover from two setbacks but were ultimately left frustrated after a dominant finish to the contest.
With Drogheda United recording a surprise victory over Shelbourne elsewhere, the point leaves Waterford’s advantage above the relegation play-off position standing at goal difference with five games remaining.
Derry made the brighter start and almost broke the deadlock after six minutes when James Clarke crashed a powerful left-footed effort against the Waterford crossbar.
The visitors did open the scoring three minutes later through a moment of real quality. Clarke won possession in midfield before finding former Blue Adam O’Reilly, who spotted Stephen McMullan off his line and unleashed a spectacular strike from around 40 yards that flew into the net.
Waterford gradually settled into the game despite the difficult conditions and began to enjoy more possession. Benny Couto’s delivery from set-pieces repeatedly caused problems for the Derry defence and one dangerous free-kick eventually broke kindly for Conan Noonan, whose effort was deflected behind.
The hosts then carved out a fine opportunity on 39 minutes. Noah Mawene picked out Couto on the left and his cross found Tommy Lonergan, but the striker was denied by Thomas Norcott before directing the rebound straight at the Derry goalkeeper.
Waterford’s pressure paid off on the stroke of half-time. Couto’s free-kick created panic inside the visiting penalty area and after Jorgen Voilas saw his effort blocked, Evan McLaughlin reacted quickest to drive the loose ball into the roof of the net.
The Blues nearly completed the turnaround inside the opening minute of the second half. A mistake from Patrick McClean allowed Lonergan to race through on goal, but Norcott made another important save to preserve parity.
That proved a significant moment as Derry regained the lead on 51 minutes. Clarke again provided the assist, slipping the ball into Michael Duffy, who turned away from Mawene before curling an excellent finish beyond McMullan and into the top corner.
Waterford’s response was immediate.
Just six minutes later, Couto delivered a corner from the right and captain Padraig Amond peeled away from his marker at the back post to power a header into the roof of the net.
The equaliser injected fresh energy into the home side and they looked the more likely winners as the game entered its final stages.
Amond fired over from the edge of the area before setting up Dean McMenamy, whose effort also cleared the crossbar.
The closest Waterford came to a winner arrived in the final minute of normal time. Couto’s corner found Lonergan at the back post and his powerful header appeared destined for the net until Duffy produced a superb clearance off the line.
The home side continued to press deep into stoppage time. Kevin Long headed narrowly wide before substitute Sam Glenfield forced an excellent save from Norcott with virtually the final action of the game.
Despite their late dominance, Waterford could not find a breakthrough and had to settle for a point from a contest in which they showed both resilience and attacking intent.
McMullan; Cann, Mahon, Long; Voilas, Mawene (Heeney 64), McLaughlin (Glenfield 64), Noonan (McMenamy 64), Couto; Lonergan, Amond.
Norcott; Dummigan, Stott, McClean; Burns (Dos Santos 76), Twisk, O’Reilly, Fleming; Boyce, Duffy, Clarke (Chapman 74).
Kevin O’Sullivan (Cork).
1,666.
