Waterford 0-10
Carlow 1-11
A second half Niall Hickey goal proved crucial as Carlow made it three points from their opening two games in Division 4 of the Allianz National Football League with a defeat of Waterford on Saturday afternoon.
A long ball into the edge of the square that found captain Darragh Foley had the Waterford backline out of shape as the Kilbride man played a perfect pass to the onrushing Hickey who slotted the ball into the back of the net.
The game started well for the Barrowsiders as Hickey, Foley and Jordan Morrissey all responded to some good free-taking from Waterford’s Brian Lynch to make it 0-03 to 0-03 after a lively first quarter.
Further frees from Foley and a well-taken score from corner forward Ross Dunphy gave Niall Carew’s side a deserved 0-05 to 0-06 lead at half-time in tough conditions in Carriganore.
Two frees from full-forward Foley at the start of the second half nudged them ahead after the hosts drew level and Hickey followed those frees up with the all-important goal.
Carlow attempted to kick on with a Colm Hulton point, but Waterford refused to give in and some good shot selection saw them reduce the deficit to four points as the game entered the final ten minutes, Waterford 0-09 to 1-10 Carlow.
One final score from Shane O’Neill saw the visitors secure the win in relatively comfortable fashion despite the scoreline.
Following on from last weekend’s draw with Wicklow, Carlow now find themselves in a healthy position as they look to gain promotion from the bottom tier.
Next up for Carlow is a home game against neighbours Laois on Sunday, February 19th with throw-in at Netwatch Cullen Park at 2pm (Live on KCLR).
