Academy graduate, 19 year-old Evan McLaughlin enjoyed a dream debut with a first half goal to set the Candy Stripes on their way to an important victory.
Joe Thomson then made sure of the points with a classy finish eight minutes into the second half which ended Waterford's hopes of a comeback.
It was a professional display by Ruaidhri Higgins' men which ensured they leapfrogged Dundalk back into six in the table ahead of a tough trip to title challengers St Patrick's Athletic this Friday night.
Derry boss Higgins clearly likes playing an attacking 3-5-2 formation and it's worked well in the second half against Dundalk and then again against the Blues last weekend.
New signings Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe and Jamie McGonigle also got much needed game time under their belts as they integrate into the team as Higgins used 15 players in total but which of the club’s players took their opportunity to shine?
Here, we take a look at how every player fared in the comprehensive 2-0 victory.
9. Evan McLaughlin
What a debut from the youngster who celebrated his first professional contract with the opening goal of the night. The occasion certainly didn't get to the fearless midfielder as he got into great positions and could have scored more than once.
10. Junior Ogedi-Uzokwe
The golden boot winner from 2019 came straight into the starting XI on his return and was deployed through the middle. Ran himself into the ground before being subbed on 63 minutes. Offers another dynamic to Derry's attack.
11. James Akintunde
Playing in a front two with his good friend and new signing Junior, the Englishman once again proved a handful for the Waterford defence. Full of energy and played a major role in Derry's second goal when he slotted a inch-perfect pass into Thomson.
12. Jamie McGonigle
Introduced just after the hour mark he showed exactly why Higgins was so keen to get his transfer over the line. Almost caught Brian Murphy out with a cheeky lob 10 minutes after coming on and came close once again late on.