For the second week in succession Waterford United had to withstand a late onslaught, but as against Cork City they held on grimly and their victory over Derry City at the RFC last night earned them three priceless points in their battle for Premier Division survival. The only goal of the game came after only six minutes. A flick on by Robert Griffin from 40 yards out was headed forward by Karl Gannon; Dominic Iorfa won the race for the ball with defender Darren Kelly and his superb effort went in off the upright.

Waterford had the better of the first half and two minutes later Gannon could well have made it 2-0, but his looping header was touched over by the Derry goalkeeper, Davy Platt.

United also began the second half with a flurry and Iorfa almost had the ball in the net after just four minutes, but his effort screwed wide of the upright. Derry's best chance came on 70 minutes when fullback Eddie McCallion crossed perfectly, but Liam Coyle fluffed his shot with a goal at his mercy.

WATERFORD UNITED: Devine, Smith, Frost, Harkin, Riordan, T McGrath, Kirby, D McGrath, Gannon, Iorfa, Griffin. Subs: Wood for Griffin, 62 mins; Reid for Gannon, 84 mins.

DERRY CITY: Platt, McCallion, D Kelly, Hutton, Curran, Gallagher, Doherty, Hegarty, Coyle, McCaul, McHugh. Subs: M Kelly for Gallagher, 62 mins; Gauld for McCallion, 72 mins.

Referee: T Tully (Cork).