Masterclass from Amond as Waterford FC blitz Sligo Rovers
Waterford's Padraig Amond scored a hat-trick as the Blues beat Sligo Rovers. Photo: INPHO
Padraig Amond produced a vintage display with a superb hat-trick as Waterford FC secured an emphatic victory over Sligo Rovers at the RSC, moving to within five points of the second-placed visitors in the process.
In bright conditions on an immaculate playing surface, Sligo started with intent and forced early corners, but Waterford quickly found their rhythm. Luke Heeney was central to their early attacking play, breaking down the right on six minutes to set up Benny Couto, whose header was well saved by Sam Sargeant.
Heeney remained influential, linking with Dean McMenamy and seeing another effort deflected behind, while also having a penalty appeal waved away. Waterford’s persistence paid off on 26 minutes when Will Johnson won possession in midfield and combined smartly with Couto before releasing Jordan Houston. His cross was controlled expertly by Amond, who finished confidently past Sargeant.
The hosts looked comfortable thereafter and nearly doubled their lead before the break, with Hayden Cann heading narrowly wide from a Couto corner. Sligo struggled to create clear chances, although they improved briefly after half-time.
Alex Nolan tested Stephen McMullan with a smart strike on 56 minutes, while at the other end Sargeant denied Couto with a fine save from distance as the game opened up.
The decisive period arrived midway through the second half. Tommy Lonergan was fouled on the left, leading to a booking for Oliver Denham and the introduction of substitute Jorgen Voilas. He made an instant impact, scoring within seconds on 67 minutes after reacting quickest to a long throw from Houston that was flicked into his path.
Sligo’s difficulties intensified when Denham was sent off shortly afterwards for pulling back Voilas during a break forward. Waterford took full advantage.
Amond struck twice in quick succession to complete his hat-trick. On 72 minutes, he finished calmly after excellent approach play involving Voilas, Couto and Conan Noonan. Two minutes later, he added his third, running onto a precise pass from Voilas before firing past Sargeant.
Waterford dominated the closing stages to secure an impressive win and continue their push up the table.
McMullan; Houston, Cann, Mahon (Barrett 82), Long, Couto; Heeney (Glenfield 63), Johnson, McMenamy (Noonan 63); Amond, Lonergan (Voilas 66).
Sargeant; Denham, McHale, McElroy; Esua, Patton, McManus, Nolan (Zefi 68), O’Kane; Kavanagh (Traore 68), Fitzgerald.
Declan Toland (Westmeath)
1,856
