Puri ensures Power’s Waterford project continues to flourish

WATERFORD owner Lee Power was at the RSC to see Sander Puri’s second-half winner keep Waterford level on points at the top with champions Cork City.

Just six minutes after being brought on at the interval, the Estonian international pounced at the back post to finish when Bohemians goalkeeper Shane Supple failed to cut out a rightwing cross by Courtney Duffus.

Waterford’s fourth victory in five games was fully-deserved as Gavan Holohan and Duffus could have made the points safe before the end with better finishing.

Bohemians boss Keith Long rung the changes from the side beaten by St Patrick’s Athletic on Friday and one of his newcomers, Rob Manley, should have had them ahead midway through the half.

Presented with a pinpoint cross from the left by Karl Moore, the striker could only scuff his shot, much to the home side’s relief.

That would be the sole chance for the away side during an opening half in which Waterford looked well on course to maintain their upbeat start.

Blues striker Duffus lost his footing at the crucial juncture on nine minutes when freed on goal and Holohan failed to work Supple after a free-kick from the impressive Stanley Aborah found him unmarked just six yards out.

The most disappointing aspect to Bohemians conceding was the fact they had started the second half fully of energy.

Rather than capitalise on their pressure, they got badly exposed down the right.

Duffus broke free into space and his delivery was flicked on by Derek Daly for Puri to slot in from close range.

Further chances fell the way of the home side, particularly when Holohan rolled the ball wide on the hour, but they saw the game out with plenty to spare.

Apart from a Dylan Watts volley seven minutes from full-time which whistled wide, the Gypsies hardly looked like ending their losing streak and scoring drought which extends to three matches.

For Waterford, they head to Dundalk on Friday for the latest test of a journey kick-started 15 months ago by the investment of former Ireland U-21 striker Power.

WATERFORD – Vigouroux; Feely (J Kavanagh 28), Browne, Webster, Barnett; Keegan; Aborah, Holohan, Héry (Puri 46); Daly (O’Halloran 79), Duffus.

BOHEMIANS – Supple; Pender, Casey, Cornwall, Leahy; Brennan (Morris 70), Watts; P Kavanagh (Stokes 76), Ward, Moore; Manley (Corcoran 59).

REF – G Kelly (Cork)