Drogheda United left frustrated as Waterford hold firm in Sullivan & Lambe Park draw
Thomas Oluwa went as close as anyone to finding a goal at Sullivan & Lambe Park but in the end, there was none to be had.
The former Blues man had chances in the first and second half but United could not find a winner to earn a fourth straight win in all competitions.
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Andrew Quinn of Drogheda United clears his lines as Tommy Lonergan during the scoreless draw against Waterford
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Ryan Brennan and Drogheda United were left frustrated after the 0-0 result
Waterford will have been happy to escape with a draw given how the Drogs were the better team for large spells.
The point moves them further away from Sligo and Galway below them for now.
But Kevin Doherty might consider this two points drop in their race for an unlikely European qualification.
Josh Thomas started a match for the first time since February up front, as the United boss made a couple of changes from last week's victory over Bohemians.
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The on-loan Swansea City striker had scored in both his sub appearances since his returning from his long injury layoff – against Crumlin United in the FAI Cup and then the winner at Dalymount Park.
Shane Farrell replaced Luke Heeney in midfield while John Coleman also made two changes to his starting XI.
With Darragh Leahy and Finlay Armstrong missing, Kyle White and James Olayinka came in.
Both teams knew a win would go a long way. For Drogheda, they would take a firmer grip on a top four position with the race for Europe hotting up.
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The Blues knew three points would put them 10 points clear of Sligo Rovers in the relegation playoff spot and keep them within reach of those further up the table.
The Drogs home form is outstanding and they will have sensed a real opportunity to extend their winning streak to four games against Waterford – but a point is better than nothing.
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Shane Farrell took aim early on and while Oluwa headed harmlessly over the bar from Darragh Markey's cross, they still had some clear sights of goal.
Kyle White was needed to block Owen Lambe's goal bound effort after an Oluwa pull back.
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And then Oluwa went close himself when he spun Jordan Rossiter in the centre circle.
The ex-Liverpool player was left on the ground while the speedster raced towards goal.
But White got a crucial touch to deny him and deflect his shot over the bar.
Waterford's posed a threat to United's rearguard in the first half too.
12-goal striker Padraig Amond required attention at all times and Conan Noonan forced a save from Luke Dennison.
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The Drogheda stopper sprang to his right to palm away his 27th minute strike from the edge of the area.
That was as close as Waterford came throughout. Jordan Rossiter took aim from outside the area after the break, but it was no problem at all for the Californian stopper.
Thomas had an effort of his own early in the second half but Drogs' best chance of a goal came via Oluwa.
The pacy forward turned smartly in the area to meet Conor Keeley's flick on.
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But his fierce near post effort hit the side netting.
DROGHEDA UTD 0 - O WATERFORD
SUN STAR MAN: CONOR KANE (Drogheda United)
DROGHEDA UTD: Dennison 6; Bolger 6, Keeley 7, Quinn 7; Lambe 6, Brennan 7, Farrell 6 (O'Sullivan, 77 5), Kane 8; Markey 6; Oluwa 7 (Kareem, 85), Thomas 6 (Davis, 62 6).
WATERFORD: McMullan 6; McDonald 7, Boyle 6, Burke 6; Horton 6, Rossiter 6, Olayinka 7, White 6; Noonan 7, Amond 6, Lonergan 5 (Coyle, 86).
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REFEREE: Marc Lynch 6.
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