Waterford United 2 Bohemians Waterford 1United pulled off a bit of a surprise last night when they defeated the champions, Bohemians, at the RSC.

Waterford, who have the worst defensive record in the league, were facing the team with the best scoring record but, on the night, the Munster side could well have won the game by a greater margin.

Bohemians opened the scoring after just five minutes with their first attack of the game. Dave Morrison crossed from the left into a crowded goalmouth and Glen Crowe rose to head high into the net over the head of goalkeeper Dan Connor.

Waterford equalised on 18 minutes when a long free-kick from Connor was knocked on to Neal Fenn and his square ball from the left found Darryl Murphy just inside the area. Murphy shot on the turn and steered his effort into the far corner of the net.

United took the lead nine minutes into the second half when Murphy won a tussle for possession against Paul McNally inside the area and stroked the ball to Fenn who sent an unstoppable shot into the net from six yards.

From then on most of the attacking was done by Waterford with Murphy, Fenn, Alan Reilly and Wayne Fitzgerald all going close.

Before the game Waterford was buzzing with rumour and counter-rumour as to the fate of manager Jimmy McGeough.

McGeough, who has been linked with the vacant position at Derry City, said he wanted to stay at Waterford to complete the task of returning his old club to its former glory.

"I have no intention of going anywhere at this point in time and if they want to push me out they will need two men to do it," he said after the game.

WATERFORD UNITED: Connor, McLoughlin, Frost, Breen, Mulcahy, Reilly, Fitzgerald, Clifford, Waters, Fenn, Murphy. Subs not used: Sullivan, Leahy, Barnes, Hughes, Holden.

BOHEMIANS: Kelly, Lynch (Ward, 86 mins), Webb, Hunt, Hawkins, McNally (Ryan, 60 mins), Morrison, Caffrey, Keegan, Crowe, Harkin (Doyle, 73 mins). Subs not used: Ward, Oman, Gregg.

Referee: Eddie Barr (Dublin).