The visitors eased their relegation fears with this well-deserved victory at Morton Stadium yesterday.

Rovers who have now gone six games without a win were continually pegged back by Waterford who only had to wait two minutes for their opening goal. Initially Karl Gannon had shot wide in Waterford's first attack but moments later, former under-21 international Stephen Grant beat Tony Dowd with a firm strike.

Dowd was at fault for Waterford's second when failing to collect Alan Kirby's cross on 58 minutes, allowing Robbie Griffin to head in at the far post.

Rovers threw themselves a lifeline with 11 minutes remaining when Paul Crowley pulled a goal back but Waterford held on.

Shamrock Rovers: Dowd, Brazil, Palmer, Purdy, Dunne; Robinson, Colwell, Kenny, Woods; Byrne, Francis. Subs: Treacy for Robinson (60 mins), Stewart for Byrne (60 mins), Crowley for Colwell (75 mins).

Waterford United: Devine, Smith, Riordan, Whittle, Frost Gannon, Reynolds, Kirby Griffin Markey, Grant. Subs: Wood for Grant (85 mins).

Referee: E Barr (Dublin).