Amond wonder strike boosts Waterford's bid to beat the drop
Pádraig Amond celebrates scoring a goal Photo: ©INPHO/Tom O'Hanlon
Pádraig Amond continues to defy the years as he spearheads Waterford's fight to preserve their SSE Airtricity Premier Division status while also leading their charge to the Club Orange FAI Cup Final.
The 38-year-old striker was once again at the heart of the action on Monday night, producing a moment of brilliance in Waterford's vital 3-2 victory over Galway United. Amond opened the scoring with a stunning overhead kick that lit up the RSC and set the tone for a dramatic contest.
The spectacular strike helped Waterford race into a 2-0 lead, but Galway battled back to level matters at 2-2 and threaten the hosts' survival hopes. However, there was to be one final twist as Amond's strike partner Tommy Lonergan, the only player to outscore him in the league this season, produced an 89th-minute winner with a superb diving header.
With Waterford already through to the FAI Cup Final, where Derry City await at the Aviva Stadium, Monday's victory has set the stage for another huge occasion this Friday night.
The Blues welcome Drogheda United to the RSC with both sides locked on 37 points in the battle to avoid the relegation play-off spot and just two games remaining. Waterford currently hold a three-goal advantage on goal difference, meaning a victory would leave them on the brink of securing Premier Division football once again next season.
Such a scenario looked highly unlikely earlier in the campaign when manager Jon Daly was dismissed after overseeing just five draws from the club's opening 13 league matches. Yet the transformation since Graham Coughlan's arrival has been remarkable.
Waterford's resurgence has carried them to an FAI Cup Final and dragged them back into the fight for survival, but their impressive cup run would lose much of its shine if the league season ended in relegation.
Monday night's dramatic victory was merely the latest chapter in a growing catalogue of crucial results. As the season reaches its climax, skipper Amond will be hoping there are still a few more memorable moments left in the tank as Waterford chase both safety and silverware.
