Tommy Lonergan’s 89th-minute header secured a dramatic 3-2 win for Waterford against Galway United at the RSC on Saturday. The late goal ended a spirited second-half comeback from the visitors and delivered a vital three points for the home side’s survival fight. This defeat leaves Galway United seventh in the Premier Division, with 41 points from a record of ten wins, eleven draws and twelve losses after 33 games.

Padraig Amond had put Waterford in command with a first-half brace. He tapped in from a low Lonergan cross after 18 minutes and then produced a spectacular overhead kick in stoppage time to make it 2-0. Galway’s first real effort came from a David Hurley free-kick, which Stephen McMullan gathered comfortably.

John Caulfield’s side emerged transformed after the break. Substitute Francely Lomboto was instrumental, first feeding Jimmy Keohane whose cross was turned in by Lee Devitt after 52 minutes. Eight minutes later, Lomboto released Stephen Walsh down the left and he finished coolly to level the scores.

Galway pushed for a winner. Jordan Houston saw a powerful drive turned behind, though referee Oliver Moran awarded a goal-kick. At the other end, Benny Couto forced a fine save from Galway keeper Arthur Cunha. The decisive moment arrived with a minute of normal time remaining. John Mahon helped a ball out to Couto on the right, and his cross was met by Lonergan, who guided a header home from 12 yards.

“Produced a dramatic late winner to hand Waterford FC a priceless 3-2 victory over Galway United,” Lonergan said afterwards.

Their recent form shows one win, one draw and three losses in their last five outings, and they have now conceded goals in the 89th and 90th minutes across their last two matches. This latest loss follows a pattern of inconsistency, with their last five results being a win over Shamrock Rovers, a draw with Shelbourne, and defeats to Derry City, Sligo Rovers, and now Waterford. The team's top scorer this season is M. Dyer with 10 goals in 20 appearances. They face a tough test next, hosting third-placed St Patrick’s Athletic in their next fixture on Friday night at Eamonn Deacy Park.

Before kick-off, a minute’s silence was observed in tribute following a recent family tragedy. The match attendance was 2,166.

The report in full is at RTE.ie