Lonergan's late header earns Waterford victory over Galway

Pádraig Amond's first half double was cancelled out by goals for Galway by Lee Devitt and Stephen Walsh bit Tommy Lonergan got a late winner for Waterford

Pádraig Amond scored a first half brace, including a bicycle kick, for Waterford against Galway. Pic: Eakin Howard/Sportsfile

SSE Airtricity Premier Division: Waterford 3 Galway United 2

Tommy Lonergan emerged as Waterford FC's match-winner with a dramatic late 89th-minute header as the Blues secured a hugely important 3-2 victory over Galway United in the SSE Airtricity Men's Premier Division at a rain-soaked RSC.

It was an emotional evening for everyone connected with the club following the touching pre-match tribute to the English family, and Lonergan's decisive intervention in the closing stages ensured Waterford claimed all three points after seeing a two-goal lead wiped out.

The hosts made a positive start and almost went ahead on 14 minutes when Benny Couto’s corner found Padraig Amond, but Anthony O'Connor cleared the striker's header off the line with Hugo Cunha beaten.

Waterford did not have to wait long for the breakthrough. Four minutes later, Couto's throw-in released Lonergan down the left and his low cross was turned home by Amond to give the Blues the lead.

Amond remained a constant threat and almost added a second three minutes later. Jordan Houston's pass found the veteran striker, whose well-struck half-volley was brilliantly tipped over by Cunha.

The home side continued to create openings and Amond passed up a glorious chance before the break, firing over from close range after good work involving Couto and Houston.

Galway struggled to trouble Stephen McMullan during the opening period, with David Hurley's free-kick comfortably gathered after Noah Mawene had conceded a foul outside the area.

Waterford doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time with a goal worthy of winning any game. Couto's delivery was headed back into the danger area and Amond reacted instantly, producing an excellent overhead kick that flew beyond the helpless Cunha.

The visitors responded strongly after the interval. Seven minutes into the second half, substitute Francely Lomboto helped create the opening, with Jimmy Keohane's cross eventually falling for Lee Devitt, who drilled a left-footed effort beyond McMullan.

Galway were level on the hour mark. Again Lomboto was involved as he released Stephen Walsh down the left and the forward made no mistake, firing low past McMullan to make it 2-2.

Waterford pushed hard to regain the lead and felt aggrieved when Jordan Houston's fierce effort was turned around the post by Cunha only for referee Oliver Moran to signal a goal-kick.

John Mahon then headed narrowly wide before Cunha produced another outstanding save, tipping Benny Couto's powerful strike over the crossbar with six minutes remaining.

Just as the contest appeared destined to end all square, Waterford found a dramatic winner. Mahon kept the move alive before Couto delivered a superb cross from the right and Lonergan rose highest to power a thumping header beyond Cunha from 12 yards.

The late goal sparked scenes of celebration among the home support as Waterford earned a vital victory in their battle to secure their Premier Division status.

Waterford FC: McMullan; Houston (Volias 80), Cann, Mahon, Long, Couto; Mawene (Heeney 80), McLaughlin, Noonan (McMenamy 80); Amond, Lonergan.

Galway United: Cunha; O'Connor, Barratt, Keohane, Facchineri; Walsh (Pierrot 73), Bolger (Connolly 90), Hurley, McCarthy (Wolfe 46); Twardek (Lomboto 46), Devitt (Thiam 90).

Referee: Oliver Moran (Dublin).

Attendance: 2,166.