Waterford move third with victory at Dundalk

Waterford finally broke Dundalk's defensive resolve at Oriel Park to give their European ambitions a major shot in the arm, as they secured a well-earned 2-0 away win.

The Louth men hadn’t conceded at home in eight matches stretching back to 4 March but a brilliant breakaway goal from Connor Parsons on 19 minutes and a well-struck free-kick from Dean McMenamy just before the break ensured that Keith Long’s side became just the third side this season to leave the venue with three points.

That result sees them move up to third in the table following their seventh win in their last 10 matches, while it leaves Dundalk just three points clear of bottom spot.

The outcome was far from a given though with Jon Daly’s side a major threat throughout, only to be denied on a number of occasions by Sam Sergeant, who was in inspired form throughout.

The Blues showed a resolve though that suggests they could be hard to dislodge in the race for Europe, with this their first clean sheet since 3 May.

Both sides had chances in the early stages with Robbie Benson firing two efforts either side of the post in the opening four minutes before Ben McCormack thrashed the ball wide from close range after charging down Hayden Muller’s clearance.

Waterford were then unlucky not to take the lead on 11 minutes when captain Darragh Leahy’s corner was partially headed clear by Benson at the near post only for Padraig Amond to send a header goalwards that had to be nodded off the line by Zak Johnson.

After debutant Sean Keogh had tested Sargeant with a free kick, Waterford took the lead with a brilliant breakaway goal.

Benson’s corner towards Daryl Horgan at the back post was charged down by Amond, who released Christie Pattison on the left. The German born