A year has passed since Waterford FC last lined out for an FAI Cup semi-final. It's been a turbulent (not always the bad type) year which has seen the support base rejuvenated by positive results on the pitch and positive moves off the pitch.
For better or worse, the appointment of Ian Morris as manager was a mistake that the club paid dearly for. Pipped as favorites to walk the league campaign, nothing could have been further from the truth. Poor results were not accepted and then-owner Richard Forrest saw fit to make a change with Gary Hunt and David Breen manning the sideline. That period proved to be one of the most fruitful in recent memory with the two local lads putting together a hugely impressive winning run that stabilised the team.
Danny Searle crossed the channel to take charge of the Blues and the good work continued under his stewardship. With their playoff spot secured some weeks ago, the attention has somewhat turned to the cup. A sell-out crowd is set to fill the RSC with a hostile reception expected for those traveling from Dublin.
"Shelbourne will offer us something different but it’s a challenge we’re up for. They’re seventh in the Premier Division in their first season back up. Damien [Duff] has them well-organised and we can see the work ethic he’s brought to them. We won’t be taking them for granted." said manager Danny Searle in his pre-game notes.
The bookmakers have the visiting side as narrow favorites ahead of kick-off but the recent form would indicate that the Blues should be more favoured here. Shels have not been able to buy a win of late in the league. It's been nine games since they secured three points - but they have picked up cup wins over Bohs, Bonagee and Bray in that time.
The Blues meanwhile have been racking up wins in the first division. Four straight wins has seen them climb to second in the table at the expense of Galway. 14 goals have been scored in those games, with just four conceded. A win this afternoon would book Waterford a place in the decider for the first time since 2004.
