Lonergan's late header seals dramatic Blues victory
Padraig Amond celebrates his goal.
Tommy Lonergan produced a moment of magic in the dying moments to hand Waterford FC a hugely significant victory in their battle for Premier Division survival as the Blues edged Galway United 3-2 in dramatic fashion at a rain-soaked RSC.
On an emotional day for the city, with the club paying tribute to the English family with a poignant minute’s silence before kick-off, Lonergan’s late winner provided a lift for the Waterford community after the visitors had fought back from two goals down.
Waterford created the first real opening on 14 minutes when Benny Couto’s corner found Padraig Amond, whose header had goalkeeper Hugo Cunha beaten only for Anthony O’Connor to clear off the line.
The breakthrough arrived four minutes later. Couto’s throw-in released Lonergan down the left and his low delivery was expertly turned home by Amond beyond Cunha.
Amond almost doubled his tally three minutes later after controlling Jordan Houston’s pass before firing a half-volley towards goal, but Cunha reacted well to turn the effort over the crossbar.
The veteran striker then missed a glorious opportunity midway through the half. After Couto’s cross was recycled by Houston, the ball broke kindly for Amond six yards from goal, but he blazed over.
Galway’s first meaningful effort came on 36 minutes when Noah Mawene conceded a free-kick just outside the area. David Hurley stepped up but his effort was comfortably gathered by Stephen McMullan.
Waterford doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time with a goal of real quality. A cross was headed back into the danger area and Amond produced an acrobatic overhead kick that flew into the roof of the net, leaving Cunha with no chance.
Galway emerged with renewed purpose after the break and reduced the deficit seven minutes into the second half. Substitute Francely Lomboto released Jimmy Keohane down the right and his cross was not properly cleared, allowing Lee Devitt to fire past McMullan.
With heavy rain making conditions increasingly difficult, the visitors drew level on the hour mark. Lomboto was again involved, slipping Stephen Walsh through on the left and the Galway attacker drilled a low finish beyond McMullan.
Waterford felt aggrieved four minutes later when Jordan Houston unleashed a powerful effort that forced Cunha into a save, yet referee Oliver Moran awarded a goal-kick to the disbelief of the home players and supporters.
The Blues continued to push for a winner. John Mahon went close on 69 minutes when he met Houston’s delivery into the box, but his glancing header drifted wide.
Cunha then produced an outstanding stop six minutes from time after Hayden Cann’s neat flick found Couto on the edge of the area. The defender struck a fierce left-footed effort that was brilliantly tipped over.
Just when it appeared Waterford might have to settle for a point, they found the decisive breakthrough in the 89th minute. Mahon helped keep the move alive before finding Couto, whose superb cross was met by Lonergan. The striker powered an unstoppable header beyond Cunha from 12 yards to spark wild celebrations among the home support and secure a priceless three points for the Blues.
