Longford Town 1 Waterford Utd 1Waterford United were probably the happier of the two teams despite conceding a late equaliser at Flancare Park last night.

This was a must-win game for both sides, but particularly for the home side who languish five points adrift at the foot of the league with only four games remaining.

Waterford took the lead with their first real attack. Robbie Hedderman's throw-in was misdirected by Longford's Ian Ryan into the path of Willie John Kiely and the striker made the most of his chance, firing past Shay Kelly from close range.

The visitors should have extended their lead within a minute but a fine build-up was spoiled when Ray Scully blasted over from inside the area.

Longford also had their moments in an exciting opening half. They were unlucky not to be level after 18 minutes when a long-range lob from Dave Mooney came back off the underside of Dean Delaney's crossbar.

Another couple of chances came Longford's way in the next six minutes. However, both Mooney and Dessie Baker failed to make the most of decent opportunities.

Mooney had another chance to level matters in the 86th minute but, after being played in by Gary Deegan, the striker pulled his effort badly wide.

However, Longford refused to give in and grabbed a deserved equaliser in stoppage time when a loose clearance fell to Pat Sullivan and the defender fired home a long-range equaliser.

LONGFORD TOWN:Kelly; Sullivan, Ryan, Prunty, Kelly; Martin, Deegan, James (Doyle 87), Rutherford (Duffy 41); Mooney, Baker.

WATERFORD UTD:Delaney; Flynn, Breen, Hayes (Browne 89), Hedderman; Scully, Warren, McCarthy, Kearney (Mulcahy h-t); Sullivan (Grincell 89), Kiely.

Referee: P Whelan(Dublin).