Waterford FC 1 Shamrock Rovers 2

Even a temporary power failure couldn’t prevent Waterford FC from falling to defeat against Shamrock Rovers, who tightened their grip on this season’s SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division. But a late flurry had the 2312 fans on their feet as the home side battled away looking for a draw that they may have deserved.

It was another bright opening for the home side but they were dealt a blow on 28 minutes when Dan Cleary rose to meet a Matt Healy free kick, forcing a diving save from Stephen McMullan and the ball was scrambled away for a throw in delivered by Adam Matthews. He found Cleary again and his back flick was met at the back post by Josh Honohan who touched it home.

The second half was delayed for nearly ten minutes after the power failed but when it returned the visitors took control of the game. Their second arrived 18 minutes from time when Matt Healy had the time and space to pick a spot as he fired to the bottom corner from the top of the area.

Waterford received a lifeline in the final minute when Tommy Lonergan chested a weak Rovers clearance before firing a left footed volley to the net and but despite dominating the additional time they could not find a way through.

WATERFORD FC: McMullan; Miles (Faal 88), Horton, Radkowski, Burke, Dempsey (White 81); Olayinka, Rossiter, Glenfield, Coyle (Lonergan 58); Amond. 

SHAMROCK ROVERS: McGinty; Cleary, Lopes, O’Sullivan; Matthews, Nugent, Healy, Honohan; Mandriou (Watts 71), McEneff (Gaffney 71), McGovern (Burke 71).

Referee: Rob Harvey (Dublin).

Attendance: 2,312