Soccer National League Premier Division: Waterford Utd - 1 Shelbourne - 1 League leaders Shelbourne were held to a draw by second-placed Waterford United at the RSC last night in a fast-paced game full of goalmouth drama and end-to-end running.
United will probably be the happier of the two sides, as the champions had a slight edge on the night. But the Blues defended magnificently, with man of the match David Breen in majestic form, while goalkeeper Dan Connor kept them in the hunt on several occasions.
That said, United also had their moments and could well have taken the points, especially at the death when they launched a last-ditch offensive that almost paid dividends.
Shelbourne made one change from the line-up which drew against Longford Town, with Kevin Doherty replacing David Crawley in defence. United showed two changes from the side that shocked St Patrick's Athletic, with the return of the injured John Frost and Willie Bruton for Mark Clifford and the suspended Kevin O'Brien.
Shelbourne opened the scoring in the 28th minute when Glen Fitzpatrick finished off an excellent move started by Jamie Harris and carried forward by Jason Byrne and Wes Houlihan. The final pin-point pass from Houlihan picked out the unmarked Fitzpatrick and his looping header from 15 yards sailed over Dan Connor's head into the net.
Waterford equalised on 51 minutes when Doherty put into his own net from Darryl Murphy's second attempt on goal from a Kevin Waters free out on the left. Goalkeeper Steve Williams parried Murphy's first effort and, in fairness to the striker, his second, low shot seemed goal-bound even before it took the deflection.
Six minutes later, United almost took the lead. Murphy's volley from a Bruton pass was turned out for a corner by Doherty and a goalmouth scrambled ensued from Water's kick before Breen saw his powerful drive come back off the crossbar with Williams beaten.
Shelbourne went close to regaining the lead on 73 minutes when the unmarked Harris headed over the bar from 10 yards following a cross from Gerard Rowe that was always curling away from the goalkeeper.
Three minutes later, Byrne was fouled by Pat Purcell 25 yards out and took the free himself, but Connor dived full length to turn the ball out for a corner at the near post.
On 81 minutes, Shelbourne were awarded another free on almost the same spot and, this time, Byrne aimed for the far corner, but once again Connor got across to parry the ball.
From the clearance, United surged upfield and, after dispossessing Harris, Bruton brought a fine save out of Williams.
Five minutes before the end, Cahill embarked on a solo raid down the left wing and, on the run, unleashed a fierce drive that inspired Connor to conjure up the save of the night.
Two minutes into injury-time, Sullivan was pulled down outside the area, but the ensuing free came off the defensive wall.
WATERFORD UNITED: Connor, Carey, Frost, Reynolds, Breen, Purcell, Sullivan, Mulcahy, Murphy, Bruton, Waters. Subs not used: Leahy, Hayes, Rockett, Banville, Hennessy.
SHELBOURNE: Williams, Heary, Rogers, Harris, Doherty, Crawford, Cahill, Byrne, Fitzpatrick (McCarthy, 85 mins), Byrne, Houlihan (Rowe, 70 mins). Subs not used: Morgan, Crawley, Robertson.
Referee: Paul McKeon (Dublin).
