Waterford can only fire blanks

IT was total domination from Waterford United in their opening game in the Airtricity League of Ireland First Division but Stephen Henderson’s side came unstuck by a very defensive Athlone Town outfit that held out for a share of the spoils at the RSC last night.

Assistant referee Michelle O’Neill ruled out an early goal for the home side on 10 minutes when Gary Keane put the ball in the net after Athlone keeper Michael Schlingermann had made a top class save to deny a close range shot from Kenny Browne following a Paul Murphy delivery.

United midfielder Conor Sinnott went down in the area two minutes before the half-time whistle but the referee waved away appeals for what looked like a certain penalty.