Waterford are extra special
2
BLUES skipper Giles Phillips’ extra-time header sent Waterford into the promotion/relegation play-off final after a hard fought win over a gallant Cobh Ramblers last night.
Cobh super sub, Matthew Mckevitt’s scrambled goal two minutes from the end of normal time forced extratime before Waterford’s superiority told in the end.
After a goalless first half, Ronan Coughlan’s 36th goal of the season on the restart looked to have been enough for the Blues.
Keith Long’s side clinched a fourth play-off final in-a-row and were boosted by the inclusion of top scorer, Coughlan and 17 year-old, Romeo Akachukwu whose hat-trick against Athlone Town earned them a play-off berth.
Waterford dominated the opening quarter and pinned Ramblers back and they came closest thanks to Barry Baggley’s deflected free kick.
Cobh lifted the siege as the half aged with Brendan Frahill heading Mikie Rowe’s 24th minute free kick over but they spent the bulk of the first 45 on the back foot soaking up the pressure.
Cobh’s first corner arrived on 30 minutes but came to nothing, and they had marginal claims for a penalty waved aside when the Blues’ Ryan Burke escaped punishment.
Two minutes into the restart and Waterford hit the front with an opportunist goal.
Baggley robbed Jack Doherty in midfield and threaded a great ball though for Coughlan to run on one-on-one with goalkeeper Lee Steacy and fire home.
Steacy made a fine one-handed save to deny Coughlan a second goal after 78 minutes.
Phillips decided the tie with his 101st minute header and the Blues will now meet Premier Division Cork City in the relegation/promotion play-off final.