Waterford claim comeback victory to move another step closer to survival

Premier Division: Waterford FC 3 Drogheda United 1

Waterford FC moved a significant step closer to SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division survival with an impressive comeback victory over fellow strugglers Drogheda United at the RSC.

Having looked destined for a relegation battle earlier in the campaign, Graham Coughlan’s side produced a composed second-half display to overturn a first-half deficit and claim three priceless points.

The Blues started brightly and almost edged ahead inside five minutes when Conan Noonan released Tommy Lonergan down the left, but the winger pulled his shot wide. Evan McLaughlin then fired over from distance as Waterford looked the more threatening side.

John Mahon came close from a Benny Couto corner on 18 minutes, but his header was comfortably gathered by Drogheda goalkeeper Fynn Talley. Moments later, McLaughlin saw strong appeals for a handball waved away by referee Rob Hennessy.

Despite Waterford’s early pressure, Drogheda struck first on 24 minutes. Brandon Kavanagh slipped Conor Kane in down the left and his cross found Leo Burney, who powered a header beyond Stephen McMullan.

The visitors nearly doubled their advantage soon afterwards when Edwin Agbaje flashed a shot narrowly wide after being played through by Ryan Brennan Davis.

Waterford responded strongly and were unlucky not to level two minutes before the break. Hayden Cann's excellent pass released Lonergan, who squared for Kevin Long, but the defender's fierce effort crashed off the crossbar.

The equaliser finally arrived on 43 minutes. After Hennessy ordered a retake of a corner due to holding inside the penalty area, Couto delivered another dangerous ball and Cann was on hand at the back post to bundle home.

The second half was a tense affair with both sides aware of the stakes. Drogheda threatened through Thomas Oluwa, whose effort deflected wide, while Waterford gradually began to assert control.

The breakthrough came in the 67th minute. McLaughlin and Lonergan combined down the right before the latter delivered a perfect pass into the path of Noonan, who fired a low left-footed finish beyond Talley to put the Blues in front.

Noah Mawene tested Talley from distance before Noonan created another opening for McLaughlin, whose effort sailed over the crossbar as nerves began to build around the RSC.

Any lingering anxiety disappeared six minutes from time when Waterford sealed the win in style. Lonergan and McLaughlin combined brilliantly on the right and McLaughlin's clever footwork created space for Padraig Amond, who curled a superb finish into the far corner to spark celebrations among the home support.

The victory could prove pivotal in Waterford's fight for top-flight survival and extended the growing belief around the RSC that the Blues can secure their Premier Division status.

Waterford FC: McMullan; Voilas, Cann, Mahon, Long, Couto; Mawene, McLaughlin (Heeney 85), Noonan (McMenamy 85); Lonergan, Amond.

Drogheda United: Talley; Agbaje, Quinn, Keeley, Kane; O'Brien (Bates 71), Burney (Markey 79), Farrell (Ancelin 71); Kavanagh, Davis (Doyle 42), Oluwa.

Referee: Rob Hennessy (Limerick).

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