WATERFORD SEE OFF' FAITHFUL AS CATS TIE LOOMS

WATERFORD were never fully comfortable but, as expected, pulled through and finished with six points to spare at Walsh Park yesterday.

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They now have four points from three 1A outings, with back-to-back home wins adding weight to their trip to Kilkenny ina fortnight.

Deise boss Peter Queally will have plenty to reflect on though, even allowing for the absence of the Ballygunner contingent.

Just 1-7 from play across 70 minutes was concerning and underwhelming.

The 12 wides and three left short added further context.

For much of the afternoon Waterford were sluggish and loose, and with 44 minutes gone they led by only two, 0-12 to 0-10.

There was a moment soon after that when Offaly sensed an opening.

Brian Duignan was denied by a superb Billy Nolan save but though the rebound fell into Adam Screeney's path, he couldn't connect with his pulled attempt.

Offaly would quickly come to regret that as Waterford hit 1-4 in response.