Treaty Narrowly Lose out to Waterford

Treaty United’s recent winning run came to a halt on Friday night with a 1-2 home defeat to Waterford FC in the Airtricity League. Two first half goals from Tummise Sobowale and Daragh Power put Waterford into a commanding lead at half-time. Treaty substitute Success Edogun ensured a nervy ending with a late goal but it proved to be a consolation.

Treaty made four changes to the side that defeated Usher Celtic in the FAI Cup last week with Jack Brady, Matt Keane, Steven Christopher and Enda Curran coming into the starting 11 in place of Conor Winn, Joel Coustrain, Willie Armshaw and Conor Melody. Waterford were without Wassim Aouochria and Eddie Nolan for the clash and Dean Larkin for Aouochria was the only change to the side which defeated St. Patrick’s Athletic.

In the opening stages, Waterford showed attacking intent with Sobowale raiding up and down the right flank regularly in the first 5 minutes and he provided two crosses which travelled across the face of the goal with no teammate anticipating in the penalty area. Matt Keane drove goalwards and his fizzing cross was almost turned into his own net by Richard Taylor but Paul Martin clawed the ball away.

Waterford looked dangerous on the flanks with Junior Quitirna and Phoenix Patterson receiving a lot of possession and being ably supporter by Sobowale and Power. Midfielder Shane Griffin received possession on the edge of the box and his goal bound effort was deflected wide by a Treaty defender.

As we approached the midway point of the first half, Danny Searle’s visitors went ahead with Sobowale turning onto his right foot before rifling a shot beyond Brady into the top corner. The Suirsiders were certainly in the ascendancy at this point and Patterson cut inside O’Riordan before curling a shot over the bar.

Five minutes later, Waterford doubled their lead when Brady saved from Killian Cantwell’s header but Daragh Power was following up to tap into the net. Treaty protested as Power looked to be in an offside position but the goal stood. Although Treaty failed to create a clear cut chance in the opening half, they were given a lifeline by referee Kevin O’Sullivan as Dean George was taken down by Taylor in the penalty area but Martin produced a superb save to deny Enda Curran from the spot.

Treaty manager Tommy Barrett made two changes at the break with Willie Armshaw and Colin Conroy replacing Joe Collins and Matt Keane. The shape was also changed with George dropping further back and and Curran playing up front on his own. The home side were much better in the second period although it was the visitors who had the best chance on the hour mark with Quitirna skipping inside Ludden but his weak effort was saved by Brady.

Ten minutes later, Treaty should have opened their account for the night when Lee Devitt showed great dribbling ability to skip past two challenges before shooting straight at Martin who saved with his feet. With less than ten minutes remaining, Callum McNamara came agonisingly close to reaching Ludden’s corner but the ball just evaded his head and travelled across the goal.

Treaty did manage to pull a goal back when Success Edogun latched onto a ball over the top and lobbed the onrushing Martin to ensure a nervy ending. Treaty did manage to muster two final chances through Coustrain and Armshaw but Searle’s men held out to extend their lead in third place to 8 points and create a cushion. Wexford drew 2-2 with Galway but Barrett’s men remain 2 points clear.

Treaty will now face Cork City at Turners Cross next week but will take heart from the second half display.

Treaty United: Jack Brady, Ben O’Riordan (Conor Melody), Sean Guerins, Callum McNamara, Marc Ludden, Joe Collins (Colin Conroy), Lee Devitt, Matt Keane (Willie Armshaw), Steven Christopher (Joel Coustrain), Enda Curran (Success Edogun), Dean George

Waterford FC: Paul Martin, Tummise Sobowale, Killian Cantwell, Richard Taylor, Daragh Power, Niall O’Keefe, Dean Larkin, Shane Griffin, Junior Quitirna Armardo, Phoenix Patterson, Roland Idowu