Waterford FC 3 Sligo Rovers 0

Waterford FC will have their name in the hat for the semi final draw in the Club Orange FAI Cup after dispatching Sligo Rovers at the RSC.

Graham Coughlan reverted to a three-five-two formation with Jordan Houston out through injury so Hayden Cann reverted to the right side of the defence while Jorgen Voilas assumed the right wing back role.

After weathering some early pressure from the visitors, Waterford struck on eight minutes when a great team move ended with Podge Amond scoring his third goal of the cup campaign.

A quick break saw the ball end with Conan Noonan and he floated a cross to the back of the six yard area which was met by Tommy Lonergan who headed across the goal where Amond was waiting but his header was blocked by Sam Sargeant and when Benny Couto missed the follow up, the Blues’ captain slotted home at the second attempt.

There was a moment of worry six minutes later when Hayden Cann passed the ball sqaure where Luke Pearce picked it up and bore down on Stephen McMullan but the Blues’ goalkeeper kept his nerve and managed to smother the ball.

Waterford could have doubled their lead on the stroke of half time but Amond’s shot was headed off the line by Sligo captain carl McHugh.

They only had to wait six minutes after the restart to double the advantage with Noonan again involved. This time his cross from the left was headed down into the path of Lonergan by Voilas and the league’s top scorer made no mistake.

The game was safe eight minutes later when Evan McLaughlin’s shot was deflected to the net by Ollie Denham and the Waterford boss was able to empty the bench with debuts for 16 year old Aaron Brennan and Goforth Amadu.

Waterford FC: McMullan, Voilas, Cann (Amadu 88′), Mahon, Long, Couto (Ashton 88′), Mawene (Heeney 85′), Noonan, McLaughlin (McMenamy 71′), Amond (Brennan 85′), Lonergan

Sligo Rovers: Sargeant, Stewart (Cannon 83′), Quirk, Shorrock, Pearce (O Donnell 83′), Meekison (Woolery 75′), McManus, Denham, McHugh (Young 64′), George (Nolan 64′), McElroy

Referee: Rob Hennessy