The Monday Memory

August 13th 1986 - Waterford United 1 Arsenal 1

The Gunners misfired on their visit to Kilcohan Park in 1986 as Waterford were worth their draw at the very least in this preseason friendly. Alfie Hale’s Blues attacked throughout and were resolute at the back with David Flavin only forced into one good save. Lukic made two early saves from Mick Bennett and the goalkeeper had to foul Jimmy Donnelly outside the box when he broke through on goal.

 

 

However, George Graham’s men took the lead on the half hour when Allinson powered in a close-range header from a pinpoint Davis cross and Flavin saved another Allinson header soon afterwards. The Blues pushed hard for an equaliser and it eventually came after 70 minutes. Paul Cashin’s jinking run was brought to an abrupt halt by David O’Leary and Kieran McCabe punished Arsenal from the penalty spot. It was a morale-boosting performance by Waterford and brought over six thousand pounds into the coffers.

 

 

Waterford United: David Flavin, Kevin Power, Noel Bollard, Noel Synnott, Duncan Burns, Kieran McCabe, Michael Bennett, Jimmy Donnelly, Brian McEvoy, Paul Cashin, Martin Reid. Subs: David Kealy, Ken O’Neill, Terry Kearns.

Arsenal: John Lukic, Kenny Sansom, Stewart Robson, David O’Leary, Tony Adams, Paul Rocastle, Paul Davis, Ian Allinson, Dessie Gorman, Graham Rix. Sub: Martin Hayes