Waterford FC take on Cork City at Turners Cross this evening in the third round of the FAI Cup – a game manager John Coleman has described as the biggest of the season.

Not since 1980 have the Blues lifted the FAI Cup – and a victory tonight would secure their passage to the quarter-finals at the expense of their bitter rivals.

Coleman has always sought to win silverware on all fronts – and tonight’s opportunity to move one step closer is one he is relishing the prospect of.

“People can say ‘Oh, you can say that every week,’ but this really is the biggest game of our season. The players have been informed in no uncertain terms of the gravity of the game and I’m sure we all feel the exact same way.”

The Blues head into the Munster Derby on the back of a hard-earned 0-0 draw away to Drogheda United last week – a performance Coleman described as “hard working” and “a decent enough point” despite wanting his side to “play more.”

“Sometimes circumstances dictate how you play the game. I’m very, very pleased at how hard we all worked to keep the clean sheet. We’ve got to learn from our experiences in those games and take them into others.”

While Cork sit bottom of the league, their recent form includes a draw away to Derry and a win against Galway. No one will dare to underestimate them.

“When it comes to a cup match, all that form goes out the window. We know the style of football they’re going to play, we know their patterns, and they’ll know ours. We have to focus on getting the balance right – knowing when to play, when not to play, and getting our patterns right.”

Waterford striker Tommy Lonergan echoed his manager’s determination, highlighting the unique stakes of the FAI Cup.

“The FAI Cup is a massive competition. It’s a great way to get into Europe and the fans love it. If we can get past Cork and get a few favourable draws, you can go for it.”

Lonergan, who scored in the league meeting at Turner’s Cross earlier this season before a late Cork comeback, admitted that memory still stings:

“That was a tough day, we want to put that right on Friday and hopefully give ourselves a good chance in the next round.”

Both men emphasised the importance of the Blues supporters, who have followed the team across the country. They expect huge numbers on Leeside come kick off.

“Our fans will travel in numbers, they’ll be brilliant,” said Coleman. “We’ve got to pay that back and try and give them something to cheer about – the one thing that shouldn’t be down to variables is our work and our effort.”

For Lonergan, the image of supporters celebrating wildly after his previous goal in Tuners Cross is a motivation:

“There’s just something about that – people flying all over each other, it was crazy. Hopefully we can do that again.”

WLR will bring you the game LIVE this evening – Waterford FC versus Cork City at Turner’s Cross – thanks to John Murphy Carpets. Coverage begins from 7:30pm.

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