Sligo Rovers began their 2025 SSE Airtricity Premier Division season with a 3-2 home defeat to Waterford in a rip-roaring contest at the Showgrounds on Saturday night.
First-half goals from Rowan McDonald and Tommy Lonergan put the visitors in a commanding position by half-time.
Rovers showed instant improvement after the re-start and were rewarded on 47 minutes with a fine goal for Owen Elding - his first senior League of Ireland goal for the club.
First senior goal for Elding!
Game ON! https://t.co/7rzXOfm8p9 pic.twitter.com/yNeyC8VQrR
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) February 15, 2025
New signing Cian Kavanagh had a chance to level the match on 55 minutes - but his penalty was well saved by Waterford keeper Stephen McMullan.
Seconds later, Waterford had a third at the other, courtesy of a fine finish from debutant Conan Noonan.
Rovers pressed hard for a way back into the game in the closing quarter - and were rewarded on 81 minutes when new signing Jad Hakiki fired home delightful from an acute angle.
What a finish from Jad Hakiki ? pic.twitter.com/aEC3P71AuU
— League of Ireland (@LeagueofIreland) February 15, 2025
There were 10 minutes of injury-time as Rovers searched frantically for an equalsier.
Elding had two more chances to equalise - one of them struck the Waterford crossbar - but keeper McMullan was ultimately the visitors matchwinner, producing a series of quality saves in the closing stages.
3.612 spectators attended Saturday night's game.
Rovers manager John Russell spoke to Ocean FM Sport's Odhrán Keating after the game:
Saturday's LOI Premier Division result
Sligo Rovers 2 Waterford FC 3
