The Waterford footballers gave Longford a fright at a misty Ballygunner on Saturday evening. Three second half points from Mark Hughes helped Paddy Christie's men to their first win of the Division 4 campaign (0-16 to 0-13).
The Déise came oh so close to a surprise result as Dermot Ryan struck the post with eight minutes left. The home side also missed three second half frees.
The game was switched to the Ballygunner GAA grounds on Saturday afternoon as the SETU Arena was deemed unplayable. Long range points from Dermot Ryan, Michael Mullaney and Robbie McGrath gave the hosts a 3-2 advantage after eight minutes. The visitors hit back with four unanswered points from Dessie Reynolds, Jayson Matthews, Darren Gallagher and Daniel Reynolds.
Waterford levelled up matters with three white flags in as many minutes via Jason Curry, Stephen Curry and Ryan. An injury time free from Tom O'Connell edged them 9-8 ahead at the break.
Longford re-emerged with more bite and intensity. Bryan Masterson split the posts within 20 seconds of the restart before Joseph Hagan put them in front. O'Connell made it all square for the eighth time with a fisted effort.
Darren Gallagher took over at midfield for Longford as Waterford went 20 minutes without a score. Points from Gallagher, Paddy Kiernan and Mark Hughes moved them 14-10 up.
Gallagher received his marching orders five minutes from time for a second bookable offence but the Déise couldn't capitalise. O'Connell converted three late frees for Paul Shankey's side. The home team also finished with fourteen men as Alan Dunwoody picked up a black card deep into injury time.
