Despite an impressive second-half performance, Galway United fell to defeat in Waterford on Monday night, as a very late Tommy Lonergan goal secured all three points for the hosts at the RSC.

A draw would’ve seen Galway guarantee SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division football for 2027, but goals from Lee Devitt and Stephen Walsh weren’t enough for John Caulfield’s charges.

The hosts started this contest on the front foot, and they took the lead in 18th minute, when Carlow native, Padraig Amond found the net, after the westerners failed to deal with a Lonergan delivery.

The Tribesmen started with the same side that defeated Shamrock Rovers last Friday and it appeared a lack of concentration and maybe fatigue affected United, as the Blues doubled their advantage right on half-time. The experienced Amond, grabbed the second of his brace with an outstanding bicycle kick.

Whatever was said at half-time by the United management team worked however, as within 15 minutes of the restart, they were back level.

Firstly, Devitt pounced on a mistake in the Waterford defence and he rifled a fine left footed effort past, Stephen McMullan in the home goal, to give the visitors hope, eight minutes into the second period.

Then, on the hour mark, Walsh incredibly levelled matters with another fine left footed finish, after neat build up play by the 2023 First Division winners.

It was now anyones game, and despite creating a number of chances in the next 15 minutes, United failed to find a third goal.

This would ultimately come back to haunt them, as in the final 10 minutes, the FAI Cup finalists piled on the pressure, and they grabbed the winner in the 89th minute after a spectacular header by Ireland U21 international, Lonergan.

United will be pleased with their second half display, but ultimately very disappointed with the result.

The side stayed in Waterford overnight on Sunday, indicating how important they felt this fixture was, and to their credit they died with their boots on.

Portuguese goalkeeper, Hugo Da Cunha has been in inspired form in recent months, and he was once again outstanding at the RSC, and kept the visitors in the game on numerous occasions.

Both of United’s trips to the Deise county have been frustrating in 2026. Like Monday’s defeat, earlier this season, Galway conceded late on to draw 1-1, in a game they probably should’ve won comfortably.

Another worry for Galway, is that it appears midfielder Mattie Wolfe is ruled out with injury for the remaining games, despite only returning from injury recently. Wolfe was on the receiving end of a strong challenge in the second half on Monday, and at full-time Caulfield claimed the former Barnsley player is “certainly gone for the rest of the season.”

Waterford FC: McMullan; Houston (Volias 80), Cann, Mahon, Long, Couto; Mawene (Heeney 80), McLaughlin, Noonan (McMenamy 80); Amond, Lonergan.

Galway United: Cunha; O’Connor, Barratt, Keohane, Facchineri; Walsh (Pierrot 73), Bolger (Connolly 90), Hurley, McCarthy (Wolfe 46); Twardek (Lomboto 46), Devitt (Thiam 90).

Referee: Oliver Moran.

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