Waterford United scored the only goal of the game to take full points from bottom-of-the-table Dundalk, in front of a small attendance at the Regional Sports Centre last night.

Under caretaker manager, Mike Flanagan, Waterford dominated the first half and should really have been ahead at half-time; but they were unable to convert the many chances that came their way.

The Dundalk defence was finally unhinged after 62 minutes. A powerful 20-yard shot from Joe Harkin appeared to be covered by goalkeeper Steve Williams, but Karl Gannon deflected it with a back heel into the net from 12 yards.

Dundalk had been reduced to ten men, six minutes into the second half, when Peter Withnell was sent off for a foul on Sean Riordan; but, as is often the case, the visitors actually played better from then on in and could well have snatched an equaliser.

Dundalk's best chance of a goal came in the 54th minute when Devine did extremely well to touch over Lee Thew's header for a corner. Then on 75 minutes, David Crawley unleashed a fierce 30 yard free but Devine responded magnificently to smother and control at his second attempt.

WATERFORD UNITED: Devine, Smith, Frost, Reynolds, Riordan, McGrath, Gannon, Harkin, Dully, Wood, Griffin. Sub: Scully for Reynolds (93 mins).

DUNDALK: Williams, Reddish, Crawley, Doohan, Brady, Melvin, Campbell, Doolin, Ward, Withnell, McNulty. Subs: L Thew for Doohan (half-time); K Dunne for Reddish (80 mins).

Referee: Aidan O'Regan (Cork).