Waterford United’s U-20s had to settle for a point from an excellent performance against FC Carlow at Hawkins Lane on Saturday.

The young Blues, missing five regular players – including Adam Heaslip and Brian Nolan - through work commitments and injuries, came back from two goals down to deservedly lead 3-2, but were caught by a late equaliser. The game had been switched to the Carlow venue at short notice, but the change didn’t upset what were now the visiting side, as they put in a fine display, and were on top for much of the 90 minutes.

Despite having the upper hand in the first half, the young Blues found themselves two goals down fairly early on, both silly goals from a defensive point of view. But Reece Rooney got United back into the game just before half time with a neat tap-in after a well-worked move. A second half Andrew Power shot levelled matters, and James Starmer put the Blues ahead with a crisp left-footed effort from the edge of the area, before the home side squared the match with six minutes to go, more than a bit against the run of play.

It was hard luck on the young United side, but they can certainly take heart in an excellent team performance, that on another day would have been better rewarded. Waterford are on their travels again next weekend, heading to the Carlisle Grounds to take on Bray Wanderers.