A goal in each half gave Waterford United a winning start to life in the eircom League of Ireland First Division as they beat Wexford Youths 2-1 at Ferrycarrig Park tonight.
The Blues opened their account as early as the fourth minute when Karl Bermingham, given lots of space just inside the area, coolly slotted home right footed into the bottom right hand corner of the net.
It was the ideal start for the visitors, who went on to control the opening 15 minutes, but failed to increase their lead.
Wexford Youths gradually played their way into game, with only the woodwork denying the home side an equaliser with Richie Fitzgerald, having been set up by Paul Murphy, seeing his rising shot crash back off the crossbar with goalkeeper Holden beaten.
Minutes later, David Warren had a low shot cleared off the line by Stuart Lawlor with 'keeper Russell beaten.
After 52 minutes, Bermingham should have made it 2-0 but he pushed his shot over the top with only the 'keeper to beat.
Wexford Youths, through the promptings of midfielder Conor Sinnott, applied lots of pressure and got their reward on 59 minutes when Paul Murphy shot home from close range.
Three minutes later, Waterford were back in front through a David Warren penalty after Stuart Lawlor handled in the area.
Waterford had John Hayes sent off for a foul on Gavin Doyle in the 75th minute, but they still held out for the three points.
Wexford Youths: J Russell, T Hawkins (Dempsey 89), G Larkin O'Loughlin 77), A Russell, S Lawlor, C Sinnott, P Malone, G Doyle (Kelly 86), R Fitzgerald, P Murphy, J Flynn-O'Connor.
Waterford United: P Holden, K Fitzgerald, D Breen, J Hayes, S Quigley, L Fitzpatrick, M Foley Browne 76), P McCarthy, K Bermingham (Kiely 75), D Warren (Dunphy 90), K Waters.
Referee: T Connolly (Dublin).
