Waterford edge chaotic five-goal thriller in Sligo

The visitors' goalkeeper Stephen McMullan saved a Cian Kavanagh penalty.

Padraig Amond of Waterford in action against Ollie Denham of Sligo Rovers during the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division match between Sligo Rovers and Waterford at The Showgrounds in Sligo. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division: Sligo Rovers 2 (Elding 50, Hakiki 82), Waterford FC 3 (McDonald 13, Lonergan 33, Noonan 58) 

WATERFORD FC came through a chaotic encounter at The Showgrounds as they won 3-2 against Sligo Rovers in a thrilling, error-strewn clash.

The visitors' goalkeeper Stephen McMullan was a hero as his 57th minute spot-kick save from Cian Kavanagh denied Sligo a levelling goal.

At that stage Sligo were back in it at 2-1, their goal coming from Owen Elding, after a first-half that ended with Waterford 2-0 up thanks to goals from Rowan McDonald and Thomas Lonergan.

Conan Noonan’s goal looked to have made it safe for Waterford but Jad Hakiki’s fine goal for Sligo set up a grandstand finish.

Sligo and Waterford are looking for much better fortunes compared to last year when they finished sixth and seventh respectively in the standings, with 13 wins apiece.

Both sides featured five new faces in their line-ups, with Sligo giving a start to goalkeeper Sam Sargeant, who impressed during an 18-month spell at Waterford.

In blustery conditions the opening exchanges were frantic and without a pattern, with Sligo creating the first opportunity.

Will Fitzgerald sent in a clever ball from the left but teenager Owen Elding could only direct a shot straight at Waterford custodian Stephen McMullan.

Waterford took the lead against the run of play after 13 minutes. Matty Wolfe lost possession and the ball was picked up by Rowan McDonald, who, stationed just outside the area, rifled a low shot into the bottom corner.

Sligo raised their game with fine chances for Owen Elding and Jad Hakiki, with each effort held well at his near post by Stephen McMullan.

But sloppiness from the home side, especially when attempting to play the ball out from the back, as well as turnovers in midfield gave Waterford possession and occasional free-kicks.

From one of these free-kicks a Conan Noonan delivery into the box was headed into the danger area by Rowan McDonald and Thomas Lonergan converted with a header from close-range after 33 minutes.

The busy Owen Elding had another shot on target - after smart play from Jad Hakiki - but Waterford were still looking solid.

Sligo took the game to Waterford in the second-half and it took just five minutes for them to reduce the deficit. Excellent work from Will Fitzgerald led to a fizzed low cross from the endline that Owen Elding converted with aplomb for his first competitive goal for the club.

Two minutes later the Sligo goalscorer hit the side-netting with an effort.

Sligo were denied a 57th minute equaliser from a spot-kick when Stephen McMullan saved Cian Kavanagh’s penalty effort.

Waterford countered from the subsequent corner and a fast breakaway ended with Padraig Amond setting up Conan Noonan to slot precisely beyond Sam Sargeant for the visitors’ third goal.

Owen Elding, Sligo’s brightest performer, then went close with a header that Stephen McMullan - outstanding for Waterford - saved.

Another Sligo error led to an opportunity for Thomas Lonergan that the Waterford attacker blazed over.

Stephen McMullan made another fantastic save when he denied Jad Hakiki who latched onto a sublime scooped pass over the top from Conor Malley.

A rocket finish from Jad Hakiki with eight minutes of normal time left breathed new life into Sligo for the closing stages.

There was eight minutes of stoppage time, with Sligo cranking up the pressure, but clear-cut chances were at a premium for the home side.

Sligo almost equalised at the death but an Owen Elding effort was hacked clear by a relieved Waterford defence.

SLIGO ROVERS: Sergeant; Van Hattum, Denham, Mahon, Hutchinson; Wolfe (Lomboto 65), Malley (Doyle-Hayes 87); Elding, Hakiki, Fitzgerald; Kavanagh 

WATERFORD FC: McMullan; Bakboord (Leahy 72), Boyle, Horton, Radkowski, Burke; McCormack, McDonald (McMenamy 53), Noonan (White 83); Lonergan (Pouwels 83), Amond 

Referee: Damien MacGraith 

Attendance: 3,612