Waterford FC stun St Patrick's Athletic to stretch unbeaten run to ten games
Waterford’s Jørgen Voilås celebrates scoring the first goal of the game with his teammates Photo: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Waterford FC produced one of their best performances of the season as they overcame second-placed St Patrick's Athletic at Richmond Park to continue their remarkable recent run and move within touching distance of the teams above them in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division.
Goals from Jorgen Voilas and John Mahon ensured Graham Coughlan's side claimed all three points after an outstanding display at both ends of the pitch. Their work rate, organisation and determination were central to a victory that further boosts hopes for the remainder of the campaign.
The hosts made the brighter start, with Aidan Keena firing a shot across goal from the right on six minutes, although Anthony Olusanya was unable to apply the finishing touch. Just a minute later, Padraig Amond teed up Tommy Lonergan at the other end, but Joseph Anang reacted smartly to save.
Blues goalkeeper Stephen McMullan was called into action on 20 minutes when Zach Elbouzedi's cross was only partially cleared by Mahon into the path of Luke Turner. The Saints defender struck a left-footed effort from 25 yards that took a deflection, but McMullan got down well to push it away.
Waterford responded five minutes later. Jordan Houston kept the ball alive before finding Voilas, who switched play to Lonergan on the left. His first-time effort took a slight deflection and spun wide.
From the resulting Benny Couto corner, Waterford won another set-piece opportunity. Couto again delivered into the danger area, and although Mahon got on the end of it, Anang punched clear under pressure.
The visitors threatened again on the half-hour mark when Voilas released Conan Noonan down the left. His delivery picked out Evan McLaughlin at the back post, but the midfielder's effort was comfortably gathered by Anang.
St Pat's enjoyed a chance of their own three minutes later. Anto Breslin found space on the left and picked out Darragh Nugent, but he failed to make clean contact with his header and McMullan collected easily.
The Waterford goalkeeper then produced another excellent save, tipping Olusanya's low drive around the post before the visitors ended the half strongly without seriously testing Anang.
Waterford came within inches of taking the lead just 15 seconds after the restart. Houston's pass released Lonergan behind the home defence, but the league's leading scorer crashed his shot off the underside of the crossbar with Anang beaten.
The breakthrough eventually arrived on 55 minutes. Lonergan showed great strength to beat Elbouzedi on the left before delivering a dangerous cross into the area, where Voilas was perfectly placed to stab home from close range.
St Pat's almost hit back midway through the second half when Turner unleashed a goal-bound effort, but Houston produced a crucial block to divert it wide.
At the other end, Voilas continued to torment the Saints defence. He created another opening for Lonergan, whose effort deflected wide, before the striker saw another shot flash over the crossbar after being picked out by the impressive Voilas.
Waterford's second goal arrived on 75 minutes. Couto delivered an inviting corner from the right, and Mahon rose highest in the six-yard box to power a header beyond Anang and spark celebrations among the travelling support.
Ryan Edmondson should have given the home side hope five minutes from time when Elbouzedi's inviting cross found him in front of goal, but he somehow steered his effort wide.
Voilas nearly added a third deep into stoppage time after racing onto Amond's delicate chip and bursting into the area, but his shot was deflected behind. It mattered little, however, as Waterford comfortably saw out the closing stages to secure another impressive victory.
Anang; Redmond, Hoare, Turner (McClelland 78); Elbouzedi, Forrester (Rooney 78), Lennon, Nugent (Sheridan 59), Breslin (Brown 59); Olusanya, Keena (Edmondson 66).
McMullan; Houston (Cann 79), Mahon, Long, Couto; Voilas, Mawene (McMenamy 89), McLaughlin (Heeney 89), Noonan; Amond, Lonergan.
Paul McLaughlin.
3,965.
