Waterford FC claimed a huge three points in the SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Shelbourne at the RSC on Sunday afternoon.
Graham Coughlan’s side controlled much of the opening 45 minutes, creating the better chances and winning six corners as they pinned the visitors back for long periods.
Tommy Lonergan was at the heart of Waterford’s attacking play and came closest to opening the scoring before the break. The forward struck the post after connecting with an excellent delivery from Colvin Noonan before later sending an acrobatic overhead kick just over the crossbar.
Evan McLaughlin, who came into the starting line-up in place of Luke Heaney, also went close midway through the half. His low strike was well saved by Shelbourne goalkeeper Edward Beach, who reacted quickly to deny the midfielder.
The Blues also had strong claims for a penalty just before the break when John Mann appeared to be pushed inside the area by former Waterford defender Paddy Barrett following a corner, but referee Lucas Keating waved away the appeals.
Shelbourne’s Alistair Coote and Waterford’s Jordan Houston were both cautioned during the opening half, with Houston booked on 43 minutes for a tactical foul.
Despite their dominance and a number of promising opportunities, Waterford were unable to find the breakthrough before the interval as the sides went in level at 0-0.
The deadlock was finally broken just three minutes into the second half. Podge Amond delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area, and Tommy Lonergan headed low to power a header into the bottom corner, leaving Beach with no chance and giving the Blues a deserved lead.
Waterford had a golden opportunity to double their advantage on 55 minutes after Evan McLaughlin was brought down inside the penalty area. Lonergan stepped up from the spot but saw his effort crash back off the crossbar, before striking the woodwork again just five minutes later as Shelbourne survived another major scare.
The visitors gradually grew into the contest and began to pile on the pressure in search of an equaliser. John Mann produced a superb last-ditch challenge to deny Daniel Kelly on 62 minutes before making another crucial block five minutes later as Kelly again threatened the Waterford goal.
Stephen McMullan was also called into action late on, producing an outstanding save on 83 minutes to preserve the Blues’ slender advantage as Shelbourne threw everything forward in the closing stages.
Waterford stood firm defensively to see out the remaining minutes and secure a deserved victory in front of a crowd of 1,977 at the RSC.
Kevin Long was named Player of the Match after an outstanding defensive display as Waterford recorded a vital 1-0 win to boost their Premier Division campaign.
Waterford FC: Stephen McMullan, Jordan Houston, John Mahon, Kevin Long, Benny Couto, Hayden Cann, Evan McLaughlin, Will Johnson, Coonan Noonan, Tommy Lonergan, Padraig Amond
Referee: Lucas Keating Attendance:1,977
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