A sell-out crowd will pack the RSC on Sunday evening next as Waterford FC and Shelbourne lock horns in the much anticipated FAI Cup semi-final (4:45pm kick-off).
It's the second successive season that the Blues have reached the final four, going down narrowly to Bohemians in Dalymount Park last year by a goal to nil. 2004 was the last time Waterford reached the showpiece event with Longford coming out on top (2-1) that afternoon following a controversial winning goal.
Speaking on last Monday evening's "On The Ball" former Blues coach John Frost says the Kilbarry venue will be rocking once again this weekend; "Yeah it's sure to be a fantastic occasion, second year in a row (that the Blues have reached this stage), it'd be fantastic if Waterford could take the final step and get to the Final. give us a day out at the Aviva and you'd just never know, lifting the Cup would be fantastic".
There's plenty of football to be played before any trophies are handed out and that's something that Danny Searle and his charges will be fully aware of. The league form has been solid over the last few weeks (which included last weekend's home win over Treaty United) with the Blues set to take second place in the First Division table ahead of the play-offs which no doubt will throw up plenty of twists and turns.
Waterford have already disposed of two top tier teams on route to the semi-final stages, holders St. Pat's were dumped out of the famous competition in the opening round by the Blues who scored a 3-2 victory on a balmy afternoon in Richmond Park. Leinster Senior league outfit Malahide United were put to the sword in Round 2 with Waterford running out comfortable 6-1 victors in the capital and last time out (in the Quarter-Final), the Blues came from 1-nil down to defeat Dundalk by 3 goals to 2 at the RSC.
"They haven't done it the easy way" said Waterford legend John Frost. "If your going to win the Cup you have to go and beat some tough teams and they've gone and beaten Pat's and Dundalk so there's big scalps there and they'll be looking forward to the Shelbourne game, they won't hold any fears".
📹 We caught up with Blues head coach Danny Searle following last night’s 3-0 home win against Treaty United.
The win was a fifth successive for the Blues with next weekend's https://t.co/JSNGAx3oTR FAI Cup semi final the next challenge for the squad.
#WaterfordFC pic.twitter.com/ToJpPvPkcZ— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 8, 2022
Shelbourne suffered an agonising 3-2 league defeat to Shamrock Rovers last Sunday and they will be coming down to the South-East with all guns blazing according to Frost; "Shels will be looking at this to maybe save their season a little bit, in their league position if they could get to this Cup Final it'd really save the season for them, without a Cup Final to go to it might be a bit of a disappointing year for them but they won't have any fear coming down to Waterford and if that is the case that will suit us down to the ground because Waterford will be waiting form them here in the long grass I would say".
WLR will bring full live commentary on Sunday thanks to McConnell's Toyota, Waterford where John Frost will join Ray Scott from 4:30pm.
The other semi on Sunday will see Derry City host Treaty United at the Ryan McBride Brandywell with kick-off at 2pm. The FAI Cup Final will be held at the Aviva Stadium on Sunday November 13th at 3pm.
