A massive crowd of 3,684 crammed into the RSC on Friday night last to watch an extraordinary Munster Derby as Waterford FC come from behind to defeat league leaders Cork City 2-1.
The drama on the field was matched by a chaotic ending to the game with four red cards issued by referee Rob Rogers.
Bastien Hery and Garry Buckley were sent off before Waterford’s Stanley Aborah, who had been taken off minutes earlier, and City substitute Steven Beattie were red carded after a melee. Both managers were then sent to the stands as referee Rogers struggled to keep control.
It was undoubtedly one of the most dramatic games ever seen at the Kilbarry venue.

Waterford FC players mob Courtney Duffus following his 80th minute winner against champions Cork City at the RSC on Friday last.  Inset: Gavin Holohan celebrating victory following a tempestuous finish. 							| Photos: Noel Browne

Waterford FC players mob Courtney Duffus following his 80th minute winner against champions Cork City at the RSC on Friday last. Inset: Gavin Holohan celebrating victory following a tempestuous finish. | Photos: Noel Browne


It was a pity the stoppage time bust up proved the main talking point because the three points won moved the Blues into joint top of the Premier League table, along with Dundalk, who defeated Shamrock Rovers 2-1, on 21 points.
Alan Reynolds’ men are now two points clear of the Leesiders who have slipped to third position.
The incidents were sparked off when City manager John Caulfield ran on to the pitch to try and retrieve the ball.
Bastien Hery appeared to push the Cork manager and then all hell broke loose. Just why the visiting manager was on the field is surly one of the questions will be asked when the disciplinary committee sit to discuss the affair.
The Blues were rocked by an early Cork goal when Conor McCarthy fired the Champions into the lead after only two minutes.
Six minutes into the second half a Gavan Holohan cross struck Cork captain Conor McCormack and rolled beyond Mark McNulty in the Cork goal for an own goal, as the Blues got back on terms much to the delight of the huge attendance.
The Blues wrapped up the points on 80 minutes then Courtney Duffus was on hand to head home after a fierce shot from Izzy Akinade.
Blues manager Alan Reynolds was needless to say shell-shocked by the incidents at the end of the game but he was also extremely proud of the way his side battled back after falling behind after just two minutes.
“It’s a great night and I’m delighted with the result. I was disappointed that we conceded from a set piece so early in the game but also for the cheap free kick that we gave away for the goal.“But look you have to look at the character that we’ve shown to come back into the game. I’ve said that to the players because that’s what we have in the dressing room. Team spirit has gotten us this result here tonight.”