First-half double does the trick for Waterford

Waterford United made it three wins and three clean sheets on the trot to keep in touch with the First Division leaders with a deserved win at Eamon Deacy Park last night.

Paul O’Brien’s men got on top in the opening half and two goals in three minutes set them up for victory. Gary Dempsey fired them in front with a super shot from outside the box on 22 minutes.

Ben Ryan made the most of slack defending soon after to tap home from close range.

SD Galway improved in the second half but never managed a goal and remain the only side in either division without a win.

SD GALWAY: Grant; Bradshaw, Browne, Geraghty, Horgan; Conlon (Dusi 58), Enubele, Greaney (Dolan 80), Harty, Tierney; Curran.

WATERFORD UNITED: Holden; Mernagh, Long, Carey, Burns; Phelan, Keegan (Coad 87), Dempsey, White (Higgins 83); Ryan, Maguire (Dunphy 76).

Referee: Ray Matthews.