Bohemians 0 Waterford FC 2

Waterford FC’s dream of a first FAI Cup in 46 years took a step closer after the Blues won a thriller against Bohemians at Dalymount Park to qualify for the November 8 decider at the Aviva Stadium.

Graham Coughlan was forced into one change with Evan McLoughlin suspended and he also recalled Jordan Houston who started his first game since being injured against St Patrick’s Athletic at the end of August. It was Luke Heeney who came in for McLaughlin while Jorgen Voilas dropped to the bench.

And it was Bohemians who started the stronger forcing a host of corners but the Waterford defence stood firm. Jordan Flores tested Stephen McMullan on eleven minutes with a long range effort that the goalkeeper had to parry.

Bohemians were dominant throughout and were unlucky not to lead at the break as McMullan blocked a certain effort from Douglas James Taylor and Tommy Lonergan also cleared a Patrick Hickey header off the line before McMullan gathered a Ross Tierney header at the second attempt.

But the break allowed Graham Coughlan’s side to regroup and they hit the front six minutes after the restart when Noah Mawene picked up a clearance at the top at the area and blasted an effort to the net with Paul Walters only able to help it to the onion sack.

The Blues doubled the lead seven minutes later as a quick break saw Amond pick up the ball. He spotted the run of Lonergan and slipped the perfect ball into the striker’s path and he made no mistake by firing to the net.

Bohemians continued to try to force their way back into the game but the Waterford defence held firm and the final whistle was met with relief and wild scenes from the Blues’ supporters who had managed to get the elusive tickets.

Bohemians: Walters, Power, Hickey, Byrne, Mullen, Flores, Devoy, Tierney, Parsons, Myers, James-Taylor

Waterford FC: McMullan, Houston, Cann, Mahon, Long, Couto, Mawene, Heeney, Noonan, Lonergan, Amond

Referee: R Harvey