Waterford's title challenge was all but destroyed with a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Cobh Ramblers this evening with goals from Jack Doherty and Brendan Frahill.

Both teams had early chance to take the lead, with Doherty and Cresswell with an attempt each inside the first ten minutes of the game.

Waterford were the better of the sides in the opening half, with Parsons causing some trouble for the hosts but it was not a good end to the half for the Blues as midfielder Roland Idowu was forced off with an injury.

Shortly after the break the away side took the lead. Jack Doherty smashed a penalty to his right, keepers left and found the side netting to put his side ahead.

Just after the hour mark Brendan Frahill doubled the Ramblers advantage, a wicked deflection took the ball past Sargent in the Blues net.

Connor Parsons was unlucky not to get one back immediately, as in the next play the midfielder produced an incredible acrobatic effort which clattered the bar.

Despite an additional four minutes at the end, Waterford could not find a consolation, with defeat tonight leaving them only able to match Galway United on points, with a 13 goal difference also in the mix.

For Cobh it was another big night on the playoff front, as they move a step closer to securing their spot in the post season, and have the chance to all but cement their spot next week when they face Finn Harps, whilst Waterford face Longford Town.