Tommy Lonergan of Waterford in action against Ciarán Harkin of Derry City at The Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium in Derry. Photo by Ben McShane/Sportsfile
Waterford secured a memorable 2-1 victory over Derry City at the Brandywell, claiming their first win of the 2025 League of Ireland campaign. Goals from Kyle White and Kacper Radkowski gave the Blues a commanding lead, and despite a second-half penalty from Patrick Hoban, Keith Long’s side held firm to seal all three points.
As we are already into our third game week of the 2025 League of Ireland campaign, Waterford made the long trip to the Brandywell to face 2024 FAI cup finalists and title hopefuls Derry City. The new look CandyStripes came into this contest looking to build on last week’s triumph over Bohs, whereas the Blues were looking to bounce back after their 1-0 defeat to champions, Shelbourne.
The opening moments saw Keith Long’s men look immediately up to the occasion. It wasn’t long before they reaped the rewards of their early prowess when, shortly before the ten-minute mark, Kyle White put the Blues ahead with a complex dummy and an outside-the-foot finish. As the half progressed, Tiernan Lynch’s side grew into the game looking to cancel the early deficit. With the majority of proceedings continuing in the visitors half, Waterford remained resolute at the back with Derry’s intensified efforts coming to no avail.
The best of chances for the Candystripes in the first half came at the half hour mark, when Adam O’Reilly’s cross found the head of Liam Boyce, who was ultimately unable to trouble Blues keeper Stephen McMullan. As the half drew to a close, Derry faced another shock to the system as Conan Noonan’s intricate set piece found Kacper Radkowski, who saw his smash and grab attempt go between the legs of the host’s keeper Brian Maher and into the back of the net, giving Derry yet another setback as Waterford started to gather momentum.
Derry came into the second half knowing they had a mountain to climb. A Dominic Thomas cross gave the home team their first opportunity in the second half, but Gavin Whyte was unable to capitalise on it with a feeble header. Defender Mark Connolly snatched at a set piece moments later, which saw his effort fly over the bar. As the Blues continued to absorb pressure, they created their own opportunity when Conan Noonan’s strike was brilliantly cleared off the line after Padraig Amond’s floated cross.
As the hour mark passed, the hosts’ luck began to take a turn for the better when they were awarded a penalty which was converted by substitute Patrick Hoban. With the deficit halved, Derry struggled to break down a stubborn Waterford defence. To the credit of Keith Long’s side, they continued to go toe to toe with the hosts, preventing Derry from controlling proceedings to their desire.
As the game came to a close, it proved to be a massive night for Waterford with a 2-1 victory. A huge win for the Blues to bring home, with focus shifting to Monday nights’ Munster derby with Cork City. Derry will be hoping to bounce back at Richmond park as they visit Stephen Kenny’s St Pats.