An early second half goal from Phoenix Patterson for Waterford cancelled out Andre Wright's first-half effort for Sligo in an entertaining encounter in the North West.

Wright netted just before half-time in a game where both sides struggled with the ground conditions at The Showgrounds.

Both sides started strong with a good battle in midfield as they got a feel for each other and the heavy pitch under foot. The Bit O’Reds Johnny Kenny also asked some questions of the Waterford defence early on.

It was the away outfit however, who almost drew first blood as junior Quitirna struck from the edge of the box forced Ed McGinty into a superb flying save to keep the sides level. 

As the half grew on so did the home sides confidence with a string of attacks from Ryn DeVries, Greg Bolger, Wright and Kenny. And it was the latter two who broke the deadlock in the final minutes of the half as Kenny headed a Bolger cross square to Wright who controlled and backheeled the ball into Brian Murphys net. 

A dream start to the second half as Prince Mustwunguma found Phoenix Patterson on the edge of the area and the former Spurs academy player made no mistake and rattle McGintys net.  

Both sides stuggled to settle in the game after the break as defences stood strong against their opposition with McGinty the slightly busier of the two goalkeepers but never really being tested. 

The Blues came closest to finding a winner in the dying minutes of normal time with Patterson once again popping up at in McGintys box only for the intervention of Robbie McCourt who slid in to save his side from their third defeat in a row. 

The point isn’t enough for waterford to catch Dundalk but the visit of fellow strugglers Finn Harps after the international break keeps the relegation playoff battle wide open. Sligo will hope to get their season back up and running next week as they host bottom side Longford town at the showgrounds.