Lonergan stuns the Brandywell with golden double in remarkable win
Tommy Lonergan of Waterford celebrates after his side's victory in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division against Derry City.
Tommy Lonergan returned to haunt his admirers as Waterford FC claimed a massive victory in their battle to climb away from trouble, defeating Derry City 4-2 in a dramatic and chaotic Premier Division clash at the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium.
The striker arrived in Foyleside with his future dominating the headlines after Waterford rejected a reported €180,000 bid from Derry City during the week. By full-time, Lonergan had provided the perfect answer, scoring twice and supplying the pass for a crucial late fourth goal as the Blues secured a victory that lifted them off the foot of the table.
Graham Coughlan's side appeared to be cruising when Lonergan's brace and a Padraig Amond strike established a commanding three-goal lead. But just when victory seemed assured, Derry mounted a ferocious comeback through former Waterford pair Rob Slevin and Adam O’Reilly, setting up a nerve-shredding finale before Jorgen Voilas eventually put the result beyond doubt deep into stoppage time.
After a cautious opening, Waterford created the first opening on 11 minutes. Will Johnson's long throw was only partially cleared and the Fleetwood Town loanee lashed a goalbound effort from the edge of the area that was brilliantly blocked by Barry Cotter.
Three minutes later the visitors were awarded a penalty. Conan Noonan's pass found Johnson and when the winger's flick struck the hand of Conor Barr, referee Declan Toland pointed immediately to the spot.
The spotlight instantly fell on Lonergan and the in-demand striker showed nerves of steel, blasting his penalty high into the top corner beyond the reach of returning Derry goalkeeper Brian Maher.
The hosts almost replied with a spectacular equaliser on 23 minutes. Former Blue Adam O’Reilly surged forward from midfield and unleashed a fierce effort from 18 yards that beat Stephen McMullan but crashed back off the crossbar.
Waterford almost doubled their advantage moments later. Benny Couto's corner found John Mahon whose header was cleared off the line by Brandon Fleming, and when the rebound fell to Amond, Fleming somehow repeated the feat to deny another certain goal.
Derry continued to threaten and should have levelled shortly afterwards when Liam Boyce sent O’Reilly through on goal. The midfielder looked odds-on to score but McMullan stood tall and produced an outstanding save with his legs.
The home side began the second half on the front foot. James Olayinka saw an effort blocked by Mahon before both he and Boyce were repeatedly frustrated by determined Waterford defending.
Fleming also tested McMullan after being picked out by Boyce on the hour mark, but the Waterford goalkeeper dealt comfortably with the effort as Derry searched for a way back into the contest.
Waterford produced a major warning on 67 minutes when Patrick McClean fouled Johnson just outside the penalty area. The resulting free-kick flew over the wall and beat Maher, only to rebound off the crossbar.
Two minutes later the Blues struck again.Amond slipped a pass into Lonergan who combined brilliantly with Sam Glenfield before driving a clinical finish beyond Maher to make it 2-0.
The visitors looked to have wrapped up the points on 77 minutes. Jordan Houston released Hayden Cann down the right and his low cross found Amond, who made no mistake from close range to put Waterford three goals ahead.
Derry nearly responded immediately when Michael Duffy's superb effort rattled the underside of the crossbar on 80 minutes, and that chance sparked an incredible late rally.
Two minutes later Duffy's corner was met by substitute Rob Slevin, who powered a header past McMullan to reduce the deficit.
The Brandywell erupted again on 85 minutes. Cameron Dummigan's effort was brilliantly tipped onto the crossbar by McMullan, but O’Reilly reacted quickest to the rebound and slammed the ball home to make it 3-2.
Suddenly a game that appeared over was alive once more as Derry poured forward in search of an unlikely equaliser and Waterford desperately tried to hold firm.
But deep into stoppage time the visitors delivered the decisive blow.
Lonergan collected possession inside his own half and calmly produced the perfect through ball to release Voilas. The substitute raced clear, rounded Maher and rolled the ball into an unguarded net to spark wild celebrations among the travelling support.
It completed a memorable evening for Waterford, who have transformed their fortunes after being 11 points adrift at the bottom only a month ago. It was another huge step forward — inspired by a striker who showed exactly why so many clubs are eager to secure his signature.
Maher; Cotter, Barr, P McClean, Fleming; Olayinka, O’Reilly, Dummigan, J McClean (Slevin 56); Boyce (Doherty 78), Duffy.
McMullan; Houston (Voilas 87), Cann, Long, Mahon, Couto; Glenfield, Johnson (McMenamy 74), Noonan (Coyle 87); Lonergan, Amond.
Declan Toland (Westmeath).
