Waterford keeper inspired as Dundalk drought continues

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Dundalk 0 Waterford 0

Dundalk ended their losing run against Waterford but their wait for a first win of the season goes on after an inspired display by goalkeeper Sam Sargeant at Oriel Park.

The Co Louth side came into the game on the back of four straight defeats which has piled the pressure on head coach Stephen O’Donnell, who has now seen his side go 449 minutes without a goal.

While this was their best performance since claiming a point away to Shamrock Rovers on the opening night, they were unable to find a way past the inspired Sargeant.

The former Leyton Orient keeper pulled off numerous fine saves throughout to ensure a valuable point for Keith Long’s side.

He made good stops to deny Robbie Benson and Ciaran McGuckin inside the opening seven minutes before Sam Durrant fired just wide shortly after.

Waterford were then almost ahead with their first attempt on 23 minutes. Connor Parsons played a superb ball in from the left which Padraig Amond met with a diving header but goalkeeper Ross Munro denied him the breakthrough with a smart save with his feet.

Dundalk then threatened again on 35 minutes. Hayden Muller slipped Durrant in on the left with his shot pushed away by Sargeant before the follow up from Benson was headed clear by Kacper Radkowski.

The Lilywhites then had assistant Patrick Cregg sent-off following an altercation with Ryan Burke a minute later before Durrant flashed a shot just wide on 38 minutes.

The Blues then had another good chance of their own three minutes before the break when Barry Baggley did well to get away from Zak Johnson only for a heavy touch to allow Munro the chance to make a good save at close range.

Chances were at a premium in the second half but