Hery strikes frustrates battling Bohs

BASTIEN HERY earned a point for Waterford on a frustrating evening for both sides.

Waterford gave debuts to Noel Hunt, Noe Baba and Dessie Hutchinson but it was the visitors who almost struck an early lead.

Bohs started well and had a great chance after 10 minutes but Waterford keeper Matthew Connor saved well from Dinny Corcoran’s drive from inside the penalty area.

At the other end, debutant Noel Hunt came close after a great ball from Paul Keegan but Bohs keeper Shane Supple was more than equal to the strike.

Bohs took a lead that their possession probably deserved after 31 minutes. Kevan Devaney whipped the left-wing corner to the front post where Corcoran f lashed his header past Connor.

Corcoran picked out Keith Ward as Bohs looked for a second but Waterford defender Kenny Browne got back to make the block as the midfielder looked to set himself for the shot.

Ward was again involved on the hour mark as Bohs looked for a second. He was picked out by Corcoran and his stinging drive forced Connor into a good save.

Bohs couldn’t make their pressure count and Waterford levelled 19 minutes into the second half. Referee Anthony Buttimer played the advantage from a foul on Baba and Hery broke down the right, cut inside and fired under the body of Supple.

With the momentum having changed, Rory Feely and Browne went close as Waterford pressed but neither side could find a winner.