Galway United 2 Waterford FC 2
A stirring Galway United comeback mission culminated with the SSE Airtricity League First Division spoils being shared at Eamonn Deacy Park.
Waterford FC dominated the opening period as Junior Quitirna and Eddie Nolan struck opening period goals for the visitors.
United, though, improved dramatically after the restart with Jordan Adeyemo and substitute Stephen Walsh scoring for John Caulfield's side.
The talented Junior Quitrina netted in the 16th minute as Waterford's smart start was rewarded.
Former Republic of Ireland international Eddie Nolan added a second on 38 following clever approach work by Anthony Wordsworth and Phoenix Patterson.
Three minutes after the restart Manu Dimas' inviting cross was headed home by Adeyemo and suddenly United were armed with some belief.
Walsh was introduced in attack and the Galway Hibernians manager was immense in the closing stages.
Walsh confidently rifled an equaliser for United with 12 minutes remaining. From then until the finish Waterford goalkeeper Brian Murphy had to be alert making some sharp saves with Richard Taylor sent off late on.
David Hurley had one last gasp attempt for United, but Murphy made an excellent save. There was no shortage of drama.
Galway United: Kearns; O’Keeffe, Portilla, Brouder, Murphy; McCarthy (Lyons, 90 ), McCormack, Hurley, Rowe; Dimas (Walsh, 69 ); Adeyemo (Doherty, 90 ).
Waterford FC: Murphy; Power, Nolan, Joshua (Idowu, 78 ), Taylor; Patterson, Wordsworth, Griffin, En Neyah (Milambo, 87 ); Quitirna (O’Keeffe, 78 ); Britton (Kavanagh, 78, Sobowale, 90 ).
Referee: Alan Patchell.
