Drogheda United 1-4 Waterford
Padraig Amond’s first League of Ireland goal in 14 years sealed a first victory back in the Premier Division for Keith Long’s Waterford against a dire Drogheda United.
He added to two goals from Darragh Leahy and one from Niall O’Keeffe to extend the Blues unbeaten run at the start of this season, albeit one in its early stages.
The Drogs began the game well, with wing back Aaron McNally dragging a shot wide after running inside Robbie McCourt. Moments before the opener, Oisin Gallagher sidestepped Barry Baggley and feed Zishim Bawa, who’s shot was deflected by Kacper Radkowkski.
However, the Irish-born, Nigerian-bred attacker would have his moment. Gary Deegan played a pass into Frantz Pierrot, who tried to turn Darragh Leahy.
While unsuccessful, Darragh Markey helped the loose ball into the path of Bawa who fired across Sam Sargeant and into the bottom corner.
Drogheda’s lead, and the joy it brought a packed Weavers Park, were shortlived. Grant Horton’s skewed a volley well wide of the post but Darragh Leahy got his head to it, diverting past a stricken Andrew Wogan.
The turnaround was complete when Niall O’Keeffe sidefooted a shot into the far corner from Darragh Power’s pullback. United were far too easily played through and were fortunate not to fall further behind after Wogan completely missed Baggley’s corner and Horton’s header was cleared off the line.
Kevin Doherty was furious just prior to the break when Bawa was denied a second by the assistant referee’s flag. Replays confirmed he was comfortably onside when Jack Keaney played his forward pass. That the 21-year-old's finish was unerring was of no comfort to anyone of a claret-and-blue persuasion.
The Blues were seeking a third
Read on irishexaminer.com