Waterford United moved to within three points of league leaders Dundalk following a hard earned victory over Wexford Youths at the RSC.
Played at a fast pace throughout, both sides had opportunities to score before the deadlock was broken by Waterford on 58 minutes, when Willie John Kiely headed home at the far post following an inch perfect cross from the right by Vinnie Sullivan.
United went within a whisker of a second goal on 74 minutes, but goalkeeper Jason Russell conjured up an excellent save at the near post.
There was little between the sides in a fast-paced first half.
After only seven minutes, United’s Joe Mulcahy side-footed a chest-high ball wide of the post from close range when he might have been better advised to attempt a header.
Then, on 16 minutes, Kiely headed into the ground in front of goal and goalkeeper Jason Russell was able to gather the ball comfortably.
Wexford’s Anto Russell headed narrowly wide from a Conor Sinnott cross on 21 minutes and a 35-yard free by Sinnott two minutes later shaved the topside of the crossbar.
Shortly before half-time, Wexford’s Richie Fitzgerald broke clear down the left wing but he failed to spot the unmarked Sinnott screaming for the ball in front of goal and shot harmlessly into the side netting.
Waterford United: Holden, Fitzgerald, Clarke, Breen, Browne, Warren, McCarthy, Mulcahy (Fitzpatrick, 65 minutes), Sullivan (Grincell, 81 minutes), Kiely (Bermingham, 71 minutes), Foley. Substitutes not used: Waters, Spicer.
Wexford Youths: J Russell, A Russell, Lawlor, Hawkins (Murphy, 57 minutes), Malone, Kelly, Doyle, Sinnott, Browne (McGuire, 67 minutes), Rossiter, Fitzgerald (Fox, 77 minutes). Substitutes not used: Wadding, O’Flynn-O’Connor.
Referee: Padraig Sutton, Clare.
