Waterford FC and Sligo Rovers Battle to Scoreless Draw in Premier Division Clash
Waterford FC and Sligo Rovers played out a tense, scoreless draw in their SSE Airtricity Men’s Premier Division match at the RSC on Friday, February 20, 2026. The game was marked by a missed penalty from Waterford captain Padraig Amond.
Penalty Drama at the RSC
The decisive moment came in the 48th minute when Waterford was awarded a penalty. Referee Daniel Murphy judged that Sligo defender Gareth McEnroy had fouled Jorgen Voilas. However, Amond rattled his 12-yarder off the woodwork
, leaving the score unchanged.
Early Chances for Both Sides
Sligo Rovers had an early opportunity to accept the lead just four minutes into the match. Archie Meekison found space at the back post following a cross from Will Fitzgerald, but his shot went just wide of Stephen McMullan’s goal.
Waterford’s Tommy Lonergan twice came close to scoring with headers from Conon Noonan’s corners in the 32nd and 39th minutes, but both attempts went over the crossbar.
Second-Half Action and Close Calls
The second half began with immediate drama as Waterford was awarded the penalty that Amond would ultimately miss. Later in the match, Sam Sargeant, Sligo’s goalkeeper, made a crucial save to deny Conan Noonan with a thunderous right-footed volley
.
In the closing minutes, Jordan Faria set up Padraig Amond, but his attempt was blocked, and a late penalty appeal for Sligo Rovers was waved away.
Team Lineups
- Waterford FC: McMullan; Heeney, Mahon, Cann, Couto; Glenfield, Coyle (McLaughlin 72), Noonan; Violas (Faria 80), Amond, Lonergan (Carthy 72).
- Sligo Rovers: Sargeant; Esua (McDonagh 81), Denham, Blaney (McElroy 45), Stewart, Fitzgerald, Quirk, Meekison (Hakiki 57), O’Kane, Harkin (Patton 57) (McHugh 81), Traore.
Referee: Daniel Murphy (Dublin).
Attendance: 2,131
FAQ
- What was the final score? 0-0
- Who missed the penalty for Waterford? Padraig Amond
- Where was the match played? At the RSC (Waterford’s home ground).
The draw leaves both Waterford FC and Sligo Rovers searching for their first win of the Premier Division season. Waterford will look to convert chances into goals in their next fixture, while Sligo Rovers will aim to build on their solid defensive performance.