Kerry earned a point against a much changed Waterford side in their final home game of a historic inaugural League of Ireland season.

After a tame first half with little to report, Kerry took the lead ten minutes into the second period through Leo Gaxha capitalising on a mistake at the back.

Waterford turned to the big boys with Keith Long bringing on Ronan Coughlan who equalised within ten minutes of coming on.

Kerry FC end the season without a home win in the league but will hope for a second league victory away at Cobh next Friday in the final game of their first LOI campaign, whilst Waterford host Treaty as their preparations for the playoffs continue.

Coming into this game with playoff football secured, Waterford made 11 changes from their loss midweek at Galway United, giving starts to a lot of their younger players, who were looking to push for a spot in the starting lineup in the postseason.

The opening half played out like a team that were lacking match fitness, with Waterford as predicted holding the majority of the ball but missing that clinical pass to break down a strong Kerry back five.

Dennehy’s chosen backline faced some disruption early on however, with Rob Vasiu starting left back, leaving the field after just seven minutes with an injury, replaced by Teahan who dropped into the same position.

Daniel Owkute had the best chance for the home side just before the change, as he rounded the onrushing Paul Martin, but the Blues keeper forced him wide enough that his effort towards goal was able to be prevented by Cantwell on the line who covered his netminder.

Waterford had a number of set pieces in the first half, including three corners but Kerry did well to clear their lines on each occasion. The one attempt they did have from a shooting position, saw Shane Griffin send the ball over the bar.

Adenopo did fashion the best chance for the Blues, after some great pressing from the Blues turned the ball over from Martin Coughlan, with Adenopo through on the left but his shot was met by Axworthy in the Kerry net.

Dennehy would be delighted with the defensive performance as the teams went in level at the break but his side struggled to create anything going forward.

The Kerry gaffer's team talk must have made a difference at the break as his side took the lead just ten minutes into the second half, Leo Gaxha chasing down a back pass and blocking Martin’s clearance, which flew back towards the net and left Gaxha an easy header a yard out.

Waterford really came to life after going behind, bringing on Parsons and Coughlan was a huge change from Keith Long, and on the third attempt from the league's leading scorer, Ronan Coughlan levelled the game. Shane Griffin dinked a free over the Kerry backline which the Limerick man lofted over the onrushing Axworthy to level the game.

The pressure did not let up after the equaliser from the Blues, Coughlan and Parsons both putting efforts just past the far post.

With just under ten minutes to go, Coughlan was once again played in behind beating the offside trap, this time choosing to smash near post but once again, Lee Axworthy was equal to his efforts.

Conor parsons was next up to forge a big chance for the Blues, his fancy footwork worked the space to get in behind and flash a shot at goal but Axworthy saved again.

Kerry did have a corner in the additional three minutes at the end but failed to craft a chance to get an equaliser, as the Kingdom end their home league campaign with a good point.