Waterford United’s Paul Murphy in control against Athlone and (inset) pensive Blues boss Stephen Henderson.
Athlone Town 1; Waterford United 1
Despite dominating the entire game, Waterford United had to settle for a draw in Lissywollen on Thursday evening last, ceding further ground in the First Division promotion race.
A superb display by the home goalkeeper Michael Schlingermann allied to conceding a very soft second half goal proved costly for the Blues, who’ve found it difficult to capitalise on recent scoring opportunities.
Waterford put their hosts on the back foot from the opening whistle and the first chance was created after four minutes.
John Kearney played the ball out wide left to Liam Kearney who got in a deep cross but defender Eoghan O’Shea headed the ball away for what proved to be a fruitless corner kick.
The same two players combined eight minutes later but on this occasion Timmy Purcell headed wide at the back post.
Michael Schlingermann produced his first save on 20 minutes when he tipped a cracking 30 yard strike from Paul Murphy over his crossbar.
The only chance that Athlone created came on the half hour mark when Austin Skelly headed the ball on to Shane Fitzgerald who cut into the penalty area but the Blues goalkeeper Kevin Burns saved with ease.
The visitors were back on the attack once again two minutes later with John Kearney sending in a dangerous free kick from the right.
Centre half Des Hope headed the ball clear and when it fell to Paul Murphy who sent a first time right footed volley but the ball went narrowly over the crossbar from 25 yards.
Waterford United were living inside the Athlone half of the pitch at this stage and when Willie John Kiely back-heeled the ball into the path of Paul Murphy on 35 minutes a goal looked on.
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