Benny Couto's late volley earns Waterford point in six-goal thriller against Drogs

Tommy Lonergan scored the opening goal for Waterford after just 15 seconds

Benny Couto’s incredible late volley secured a share of the spoils for Waterford on their travels. Pic: ©INPHO/Tom Maher

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Drogheda United 3 Waterford 3

Waterford struck very early and reasonably late to bookend a lively six-goal thriller in the Premier Division, but the solitary point does little for Graham Coughlan and his team who remain well adrift at the foot of the table.

Benny Couto’s incredible late volley secured a share of the spoils on their travels. There were plenty of positives for Coughlan to take from this, but vulnerabilities remain.

In most seasons, a 15th-second strike would comfortably lay claim to the quickest goal of the campaign. But Markuss Strods eighth-second opener for Bohemians at Richmond Park last month means Tommy Lonergan’s effort at Sullivan & Lambe Park – that stunned the home crowd into silence for a moment at least – will have to make do with second place at best.

Poor Drogheda defending, with Andrew Quinn and Conor Kane culpable, allowed Lonergan an opportunity to volley a shot low past Fynn Talley.

It would get worse for the hosts and much better for Graham Coughlan’s team 20 minutes later when the Blues doubled their advantage. Conan Noonan’s corner was met by Kevin Long at the near post for his second goal of the season.

Drogheda did spark to life eventually. Brandon Kavanagh smacked an effort off the crossbar but Waterford’s relief was short-lived. Seconds later, his free-kick was headed in by Mark Doyle, the striker glancing into the net to give the home side hope.

Kevin Doherty’s team levelled matters on 58 minutes. Shane Farrell, operating out of position at right wing back with United in the midst of an injury crisis at the back, hit a first-time shot from the edge of the area to beat Stephen McMullan.

Ten minutes later, the turnaround was complete. Brennan, as has often been the case in his hometown, was the hero but only briefly. Couto had the final say but Waterford remain well adrift.

DROGHEDA UNITED: Talley; Agbaje, Burney, Quinn; Farrell, O’Brien (Kareem, 83), Brennan, Kane; Kavanagh; Oluwa (Godden, 67), Doyle.

WATERFORD: McMullan; Mahon, Long, Cann; Johnson, Glenfield (Barrett, 83), McMenamy, Couto; Noonan (Coyle, 83); Lonergan, Amond.

Referee: Paul Norton