Waterford FC fell to a narrow 1–0 defeat against Bohemian F.C. at the RSC Waterford on a frustrating night for the home supporters. However, the result again highlighted Waterford’s slow start, something that ultimately proved costly.
Bohemians took the lead after 22 minutes. A corner caused problems in the Waterford defence, and Sam Todd reacted quickest to finish. Todd had not originally been named in the starting lineup. Nevertheless, he rewarded the decision of Bohs manager Alan Reynolds, the former Waterford boss.
Meanwhile, Waterford struggled to create clear chances during the opening half. Their best opportunity arrived just before the break. Captain Padraig Amond met a dangerous delivery from Conan Noonan, but his header drifted narrowly wide.
Officials added eight minutes of stoppage time after several head injuries earlier in the half. Despite the extra time, Waterford failed to find rhythm or creativity before the interval.
Manager Jon Daly reacted decisively at half-time and introduced three substitutes. The changes lifted the tempo immediately. As a result, Waterford dominated large spells of the second half and pushed Bohemians deep into their own half.
The home side’s best chance came on 53 minutes. A loose ball dropped to Noonan inside the box from close range. However, he blasted his effort over the crossbar from around ten yards.
Waterford continued to press and created several promising moments as the half progressed. However, they could not find the equaliser. Bohemians held on for all three points despite spending long periods defending.
Late in the game, Waterford suffered another blow. John Mahon collided with a teammate and had to leave the pitch on a stretcher. The incident capped a difficult night for the home side.
Waterford: McMullan; Heeney (McLaughlin 90), Cann, Mahon, Couto (Dempsey 46); Coyle (Manfield 46), Barrett (McMenamy 46), Voilas; Lonergan, Amond (Carty 62), Noonan.
Bohemians: Chorazka; Power (Morahan 90), Hickey, Todd, Flores; Parsons (Mullen 73), Devoy, McDonnell; Whelan, Tierney, Rooney (Diallo 73).
Referee: Rob Harvey
Attendance: 2,622
