Derry City manager Kevin Mahon heaped praise on striker Liam Coyle following this hard-earned victory over struggling Waterford at a bitterly cold Brandywell yesterday. "I thought Liam was outstanding," Mahon said of his side's leading scorer. "His commitment level was never in question and every time he touched the ball he threatened to do something very special."
But while Derry deserved to win the game their goal failed to materialise until 10 minutes from the end. Waterford, clearly content to defend and hold out for a share of the spoils, frustrated Derry on occasions but goalkeeper Michael Devine pulled off two top-drawer saves to keep Coyle off the score-sheet.
Direct from the kick-off, Coyle latched on to a through-ball and his powerful drive from 18 yards saw Devine throw himself full stretch to parry the ball wide of his goal. The goalkeeper again came out on top in the 22nd minute after Michael McHugh had set his striking partner up. Coyle sent a stinging drive at the target but Devine's alertness and agility saw him divert the ball for a corner.
McHugh and Sean Hargan both missed half chances after the break, but Derry struck the decisive blow in the 80th minute following a corner on the left. Gary Beckett played the ball short to Hargan and when his cross was about to drop into the danger area, Derry full back Darren Kelly got there first to win a challenge with Sean Riordan. The ball dropped into the path of Eamon Doherty, who lashed it home from close range.
Derry City: Platt; D Kelly, Curran, Hutton, M Kelly; Doherty, McCann, Beckett, Hargan; Coyle, McHugh. Subs: Gallagher for McCann (73 mins), McCaul for McHugh (78 mins).
Waterford United: Devine; Power, Smith, Riordan, Kelleher; Gannon, Lacey, Griffin, Keith; Brown, Kabia. Subs: Dully for Gannon (65 mins).
Referee: D Hancock (Dublin).
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