Waterford FC couldn’t build on recent good form as they fell to a 3-0 defeat against reigning champions Dundalk.
Dundalk had the first chance inside 10 minutes but Michael Duffy’s powerful strike was saved by Blues keeper Matthew Connor.
The netminder was in action again shortly afterwards saving well after Michael Duffy was found by Daniel Kelly but Connor made the save.
The first chance for the Blues fell to Izzy Akinade after he cut inside from the left and fired at goal but his powerful effort was just over the crossbar.
Dundalk made their possession count with the opening goal two minutes before the break. Maxim Kouogun fouled Michael Duffy and his resulting free kick deceived everybody and nestled in the far corner.
Dundalk should have doubled their lead in stoppage time; Duffy found Daniel Kelly coming from the right but
Connor made a great save to deny Daniel Kelly before the break but Dundalk made it 2-0 with a goal of real quality 11 minutes into the second half. Patrick Hoban and Duffy linked up down the left before laying the ball for Jordan Flores to fire into the top corner from 25 yards.
Waterford’s challenge was made all the harder with two yellow cards in two minutes for Bastien Hery to reduce the home side to 10 men.
Dundalk pushed on and made it 3-0; Michael Duffy picking up possession from Chris Shields before impressively finding the bottom corner from 20 yards to secure the 3-0 win.
Waterford FC: Matthew Connor, Rory Feely, Maxi Kouogun, Damien Delaney, Aaron Simpson, Bastien Héry, JJ Lunney, Shane Duggan (Georgie Poynton ’69), Zack Elbouzedi (Cory Galvin ’75), Aaron Drinan (Scott Twine ’69), Izzy Akinade
Dundalk FC: Gary Rogers, Sean Gannon, Brian Gartland, Chris Shields, Sean Hoare, James McGrath (Jordan Flores ’14), Daniel Kelly (John Mountney ’61), Dean Jarvis, Michael Duffy, Patrick Hoban, Patrick McEleney (Georgie Kelly ’69)
Referee: Derek Tomney (Dublin)