Matt Keane reporting from Head in the Game Park, Drogheda, Co. Louth
Waterford FC looked to be on their way to a valuable point with 89 minutes on the clock in Head in the Game Park.
However disaster struck when defender Cameron Evans guided the ball past Brian Murphy as he attempted to clear an effort from James Brown the home side celebrated taking all three points in what was their first game back in the Premier League since winning promotion last season.
Jamie Mascoll and Tunmise Sobowale came to Waterford's rescue twice in the second half with goalmouth clearances.
Despite enjoying good possession for periods Waterford never really look a treat in the final third of the park but nevertheless they did deserve a point from what was an extremely tight game.
It's a huge late goal for @DroghedaUnited on their return to the Premier Division!
James Brown's cross was turned into the Waterford net by Cameron Evans, but the Drogs full-back seems to be claiming the goal 😁
Sign up 📺 | https://t.co/IBZkINEa20#WATCHLOI | #LOI pic.twitter.com/DoMoaJaZDH— SSE Airtricity League (@SSEAirtricityLg) March 19, 2021
Speaking to WLR Sport after the game, Blues boss Kevin Sheedy admitted it was a real killer blow to concede so late, but that there were plenty of positives to take from the performance; "Very much so, I mean the players defended and battled you know, it was a tough opening fixture for us. They've a habit of winning all last season so we knew it was going to be a tough opening game but the lads certainly defended set-plays the 1st-half, really gave everything they got and to lose to a sucker punch right at the end is a real killer blow but that happens in football. You got to learn from it, be more resilient and make sure that doesn't happen again".
Elsewhere last night, there was plenty of late drama on the opening night in the SSE Airtricity Premier Division.
St. Pat’s thought they’d snatched a victory from champions Shamrock Rovers at Tallaght Stadium when Robbie Benson scored two-minutes from the end.
But Aaron Greene levelled almost immediately, and 1-1 is how it finished.
There are three more games down for decision this evening.
Bohemians make the long trip to Ballybofey to face Finn Harps.
Newly-promoted Longford Town entertain Derry City
And FAI Cup-winners Dundalk are away to Sligo Rovers.
All three matches kick-off at 6.
Just after St Pat's took the lead late on, Shamrock Rovers fashioned an equaliser thanks to this brilliant header from Aaron Greene @RTE2 @RTEplayer #rtesoccer
Updates: https://t.co/b58OttCBr9 pic.twitter.com/hQLq4Pp6PT— Soccer Republic (@SoccRepublic) March 19, 2021
