First Division wrap: Walsh inspires Galway comeback

Ten-man Waterford FC looked set to win comfortably, only to leave Galway hanging on for a draw, after an inspired substitution by John Caulfield helped United to a point in front of 2,500 fans at Eamonn Deacy Park.

The veteran Stephen Walsh, who has played almost his entire career for United at the back, was sent on up front and scored a beautiful equaliser to supplement Jordan Adeyemo's header in a game of two halves.

Waterford had looked in cruise control at the break thanks to goals from Junior Quitirna and skipper Eddie Nolan, but they know they have a battle to justify favouritism to win the title after an absorbing encounter on a cold night Corribside.

Romeo Akachunkwu was promoted to the Blues bench, quite an achievement for a kid yet to sit his Junior Cert.

The first half was a scrappy affair with the home side struggling to get any rhythm going and failing to create a single chance.

Waterford dictated the tempo of the game and, with Anthony Wordsworth and Shane Griffin instrumental in the middle, they probed for an early goal.It might have arrived on six minutes but on-loan Louis Britton, who scored in both of Blues' games in the league so far, dragged his shot wide.

The visitors went ahead on 15 minutes.

The lively Richard Taylor crossed and, Alex Murphy having headed to the edge of the box, Quitirna fired home.

Wordsworth picked up a yellow on 28 minutes that would have had him concerned about any 50-50 challenges but ten minutes later it was 2-0.

Conor Kearns had initially punched away but the ball fell to Phoenix Patterson and, having aimed the ball towards a crowded box, skipper Nolan was on hand to tap in and leave United with a mountain to climb.

Manu Dimas was penalised three times for fouls but he nearly put