Waterford United produced a battling display to overcome Derry City on Friday night. Derry are tipped for a quick return to the Premier Division but an end-to-end match was settled by a 12th minute Liam Kearney goal.

Waterford United were without the suspended Seamus Long so John Hayes slotted in with Kevin Murray at the heart of the defence while Derry were without the suspended Mark Scoltock.

Neither side took control of the game early on, but Derry winger James McClean was causing problems down Derry’s left wing, with birthday boy Alan Carey struggling to handle his pace.

Waterford United had the first chance of the game. Willie John Kiely flicked a header onto Liam Kearney, but the former Derry player miscontrolled and the ball ended up with Paul McCarthy, but his shot from twenty five yards went over the bar.

The Blues grabbed the only goal of the game after 12 minutes. Kiely flicked a header on to strike partner Vinny Sullivan on the right hand side of the box. Sullivan should have scored himself but his shot hit the far post and bounced across the face of the goal, allowing Liam Kearney to score his first Waterford goal from six yards.

The home side continued to press with Sullivan getting on the end of an Carey cross, but the striker couldn’t make a proper connection and Ger Doherty saved.

Liam Kearney was causing problems down the left and shortly before the break he beat two defenders but his cross was headed out for a corner. Carey's resulting corner was headed inches wide by stand in full back John Kearney.

Waterford continued their attacking mentality in the second half. John Hayes powered out of defence before playing a superb low pass behind the Derry defence into Sullivan’s path. Sullivan reached the ball before Derry keeper Doherty, but his touch was heavy Sullivan and the chance was lost.

Derry then almost equalised in spectacular style after 63 minutes. A deep cross from the lively McLean evaded everyone and was heading for the far corner of the net but for a good right handed save from Blues keeper Chris Konopka.

Derry began to push Waterford back with attack after attack but rarely actually threatened the Blues goal. Gary Dunphy was superb on the night in a central midfield role alongside Paul McCarthy. Dunphy supported the front two all night and also broke up the play in front of his back four. The former Celtic player will no doubt be an important player this season.

The Blues should have sealed the win in the final minute of normal time. John Kearney played a great ball out to the right wing to substitute Timmy Purcell. Purcell headed for goal but unselfishly crossed to another substitute David Grincell. Unfortunately for Grincell he slipped at the vital moment, allowing Doherty to claim the loose ball.

Waterford held on for a deserved victory, but not without a few shaky moments. Both sides will no doubt be at the right end of the table come November.

Waterford United: Konopka, A. Carey, Hayes, Murray, J. Kearney, Cambridge (Purcell 70’), Dunphy, McCarthy (Waters 88’), L. Kearney, Sullivan, Kiely (Grincell 75’)
Subs not used: P. Carey, O'Sullivan,
Booked: Kiely.
Derry City: Doherty, McCallion, S. McEleney, McChrystal, Friars, P. McEleney (Sweeney 75’), Harkin, Molloy, McClean, McDaid, Farren (Clarke 80’)
Subs not used: Ferry, Sharkey, Henry.
Booked: Harkin, S McEleney, Sweeney.

Referee: Sean Grant (Wexford)

Official Attendance: 815

Extratime.ie Man of the Match: Gary Dunphy