Derry City secured a valuable point in their battle to avoid relegation with a 2-2 draw away to Waterford. The result leaves the Candystripes fifth in the Premier Division on 38 points after 31 games.
James Clarke was the creative force, assisting both Derry goals on a night of driving rain and swirling winds at the RSC. Adam O'Reilly opened the scoring in spectacular fashion after nine minutes, firing home from around 40 yards. Waterford equalised on the stroke of half-time through Evan McLaughlin's close-range finish.
Michael Duffy restored Derry's lead six minutes after the restart with a curling shot into the top corner, taking his season tally to 12 goals. The lead lasted only six minutes, however, as Padraig Amond headed in from a corner to make it 2-2.
Thomas Norcott's goalkeeping was vital in the closing stages as Waterford pushed for a winner. The hosts dominated the final half-hour, creating a series of chances. Norcott denied Patrick McClean and Sam Glenfield, while Michael Duffy cleared a Tommy Lonergan header off his own line in the final minute. Kevin Long then headed narrowly wide in stoppage time.
"Excellent goalkeeping from Thomas Norcott ensured the visitors escaped the south-east with a share of the spoils," the goalkeeper said of his own performance. The Blues dominated the closing stages and created enough opportunities to claim all three points, but Derry's defence held firm under intense pressure.
The point is a useful one in a tight bottom half. With five matches remaining, Derry City's recent form reads two wins, two draws and one loss from their last five outings. The result also means Waterford's margin over the relegation play-off spot is now just goal difference.
Derry's next challenge is a home fixture against Galway United on Friday, 18 September. Galway currently sit sixth, one place below Derry in the table. The full schedule is available on our fixtures page. Managerial changes saw Ronan Dos Santos replace Ryan Burns after 76 minutes and Jack Chapman come on for the influential James Clarke shortly before.
Patrick McClean misjudged a clearance to present one Waterford chance, but the back three of McClean, Cameron Dummigan and Sam Stott ultimately stood firm. The team will look to build on this resilient display when they return to Brandywell.
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Derry City host Galway United at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium on Friday, 18 September. The club's verified data shows Derry, fifth with 38 points, have taken eight points from their last five matches. Manager Ruaidhrí Higgins confirmed the same starting XI from the 2-2 draw with Waterford will begin the game. "We've shown good resilience and we need that again," Higgins said. Galway, one place below Derry, won 3-1 away to Sligo Rovers in their last outing.
