Waterford FC travel to Dalymount Park on Friday night looking to reach the FAI Cup final for the first time in 22 years.

The Blues face Bohemians in their semi-final clash, with kick-off at 7.45 pm as Graham Coughlan’s side aim to take another step towards a first appearance at the Aviva Stadium in more than two decades.

Waterford have enjoyed a strong cup run so far, beating Cobh Ramblers and Athlone Town by 2-1 scorelines in the second and third rounds respectively, before recording a convincing 3-0 quarter-final victory over Sligo Rovers.

Todays tie represents their first away draw of this season’s competition, with the Blues having benefited from home advantage in each of their previous three rounds.

Waterford will also be encouraged by the return of Tommy Lonergan and Stephen McMullan following their international commitments. Lonergan scored four goals in three games for the Republic of Ireland Under-21s, including twice in their 3-1 win over England at Turners Cross on Tuesday.

The Blues have won the FAI Cup twice, lifting the trophy in the 1936/37 and 1979/80 seasons.

Celebrating with the FAI Cup in the Dalymount Park dressing room on the 20th of April, 1980. Seated are Walter Walsh and John ‘Fatty’ Phelan – two of our first cup winners in 1937 and both delighted to see the trophy return to Waterford for a second time.

Two of the biggest ever club legends are there too in Alfie Hale and Michael Walsh. You can also see Tim Galvin (Mayor of Waterford in 1971 and 1977), and in the background is the late Mark Meagan – the midfield maestro who sadly passed away two years ago.

However, Evan McLaughlin will miss the semi-final through suspension after accumulating yellow cards in the victories over Athlone Town and Sligo Rovers.

The Blues will have strong support in Dublin, with their full allocation of 450 away tickets sold out within minutes of going on sale.

Bohemians will provide a formidable challenge, arriving at the semi-final on the back of seven consecutive victories across league and cup competitions.

Alan Reynolds’ side progressed past Longford Town with a 4-0 win before overcoming St Patrick’s Athletic on penalties following a 1-1 draw in the quarter-finals.

Bohs have also enjoyed recent success against Waterford in the FAI Cup, defeating the Blues 1-0 in the 2021 semi-final thanks to Georgie Kelly’s late winner at Dalymount Park.

The Dublin side have reached two finals since 2021, losing to St Patrick’s Athletic in both 2021 and 2023, and will be determined to return to the showpiece occasion.

Waterford’s last FAI Cup triumph came in 1980, when Brian Gardiner scored the decisive goal in a 1-0 victory over St Patrick’s Athletic at Dalymount Park.

Speaking ahead of Friday’s tie, Waterford manager Graham Coughlan said his players were eager to get going after the extended international break.

Coughlan praised the commitment shown in training and acknowledged the support the team has received from supporters throughout a difficult year.

He described the semi-final as a huge challenge against a tough opponent but insisted the Blues would approach the occasion with confidence and give everything to reach the final.

Waterford now face 90 minutes, and potentially more, to book their place in the FAI Cup final and bring their supporters another memorable night.

Kick-off – 7:45 pm FAI Cup semi-final

Venue: Dalymount Park

Waterford FC v Bohemians – Live on WLR

Waterford FC Coverage on WLR is thanks to John Murphy Carpets