Cork City had failed to register a win in their last four games, but a goal in each half in this Munster derby from Mark Herrick and Kelvin Flanagan at the RSC ensured that the league leaders will enter the new year still in pole position. In sticky underfoot conditions Waterford battled doggedly to the very end and could well have clawed back home in the second half.

The home team were forced to defend furiously from the kick-off and Sean Riordan headed off the line from John Caulfield and Flanagan booted widely over the bar before Herrick opened the scoring on 38 minutes. Herrick began the move himself, releasing the ball to Colin O'Brien, who made progress down the right wing before crossing to beyond the far post were Caulfield headed back into the path of the incoming Herrick, who bravely dived low to head home from three yards.

Cork's second goal 15 minutes into the second half was beautifully executed, and even extracted a round of applause from the United fans.

Herrick and Ollie Farrell skilfully worked the ball out of defence before Gareth Cronin collected and crossed from the right to the unmarked Flanagan, 20 yards from goal. Flanagan's firsttime header was so powerful that Michael Devine in the Waterford goal never moved despite having a clear view from start to finish.

Robert Griffin and Jason Kabia threatened on occasion for United but the closest the home team came to scoring was a Karl Gannon shot which was deflected out for a corner on 56 minutes.

Waterford United: Devine, Smith, Kelleher, Lacey, Riordan, Power, Gannon, Brown, Griffin, Kabia, Keith. Subs: Dully for Gannon (72 mins); Kelly for Kelleher, Scully for Power (87 mins).

Cork City: Mooney Daly, Cronin, Hill, Coughlan, O'Brien, Cahill, Flanagan, Hartigan, Herrick, Caulfield. Sub: Cotter for Caulfield (87 mins).

Referee: John Stacey (Athlone).