Waterford FC return to the RSC tonight with a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals up for grabs as Sligo Rovers make the trip south-east for a quarter-final meeting.

It will be the fifth time the sides have faced each other this season, with the Blues going into the game in excellent form after extending their unbeaten run to ten matches.

Graham Coughlan’s side produced another impressive result last weekend when they travelled to Richmond Park and came away with a 2-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic. Jorgen Voilas and John Mahon found the net in the second half to secure Waterford’s seventh win in their last ten games.

Attention now turns to the cup, with Waterford hoping to reach the semi-finals for the first time since 2022.

The Blues have already overcome First Division opposition twice on their route to the last eight. Cobh Ramblers were beaten 2-1 at the RSC in the second round before Athlone Town were also defeated 2-1 at the same venue in the third round.

Sligo Rovers arrive in Waterford having also made a strong start to their cup campaign. The Bit O’Red recorded 4-0 victories over Jonesboro and Kerry in the previous two rounds to set up Friday night’s quarter-final.

There has been very little between the teams in their most recent meeting. Just two weeks ago, the sides played out a scoreless draw in Sligo, although the previous encounter at the RSC produced a completely different result.

Waterford ran out 4-0 winners in June, with Pádraig Amond claiming a hat-trick as the Blues put in a commanding performance against the Bit O’Red.

The Waterford squad will be without Will Johnson and Sam Glenfield for Friday’s game, with both players still unavailable through injury.

Coughlan is expecting another demanding contest against a Sligo side now under new management and believes there will be little to separate the teams once again.

The Waterford manager has also praised the club’s supporters for the backing they have provided throughout the recent unbeaten run. A large travelling following made their presence felt in Inchicore last weekend, and Coughlan believes the atmosphere created by the fans can give his players an important lift during the game.

With a place in the final four at stake, both teams will have plenty of motivation when they take to the pitch at the RSC.

The quarter-final gets underway at 7.45pm on Friday night, with the gates opening at 6pm.

It is the fifth and final meeting between Waterford and Sligo in 2026, and this time there can be no settling for a draw, with a place in the FAI Cup semi-finals waiting for the winner.

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