Treaty United fall to Waterford FC league defeat at Markets Field

TREATY United suffered their fifth defeat of a testing season when First Division high-flyers, Waterford FC, recorded an impressive 4-1 victory at the Markets Field on Monday night.

A hat-trick from Limerick native Ronan Coughlan put paid to any hopes a youthful Treaty United had of building on Friday’s 1-1 draw with Cobh Ramblers.

Treaty made six changes to the starting XI from Friday’s draw with Cobh Ramblers – in came Darren Nwankwo, Scott Kirkland, Colin Kelly, for first league starts while they were able to start Willie Armshaw. 

Monday night's game was the second of three league fixtures Treaty will play in seven days, with Kerry FC visiting the Markets Field this Friday, 7.45pm.

This clash was all about Waterford, who weren’t long into their stride and owning possession. They struck the front from the spot on 18 minutes, as Ben O’Riordan felled Coughlan. He doubled his tally just four minutes later, stroking home at the back post after Dean McMenamy centred for Connor Parsons who left it for Coughlan to finish.

There was another chance for McMenamy, who struck the post with a low effort – it remained 2-0 at half-time.

Dean George netted early in the second-half, heading home from close range following good work from Willie Armshaw down the wing. This gave United energy, but it was lost when Waterford restored their two-goal lead.

Full-back Ryan Burke drilled into the bottom corner, from outside the area with 30 minutes remaining.

Coughlan soon completed his hat-trick, ghosting away from the home defence before picking out the top corner. Adding to four on Friday, his importance for Waterford clear for all to see – 12 goals in six First Division outings.

Treaty return to the Garryowen venue in four days, where they face league newcomers Kerry. Treaty are five points ahead of the basement side, who they shared a 1-1 draw with last month.

Treaty United: Shane Hallahan; Darren Collins, Ben O’Riordan, Andy Spain, Darren Nwankwo, Martin Coughlan; Colin Kelly, Scott Kirkland, Lee Devitt (Capt), Willie Armshaw; Success Edogun. Subs: Alec Byrne for Kirkland, Dean George for Edogun (both half-time), Conor Barry for Coughlan, Stephen Christopher for Spain (both 71 mins), Niko Kozowski for Armshaw (76 mins).

Waterford: Paul Martin; Tunmise Sobowale, Dean Larkin, Giles Philips, Ryan Burke; Shane Griffin, Niall O’Keeffe, Barry Crowe-Baggley, Dean McMenamy, Connor Parsons; Ronan Coughlan. Subs: Thomas Oluwa for Coughlan, Christopher Conn Clarke for Griffin (both 77 mins), Roland Idowu for Baggley, Eddie Nolan for McMenamy (both 84 mins), Romeo Akachukwu for O’Keeffe (89 mins).

Referee: Marc Lynch