Waterford FC return to Dalymount Park tonight, looking to take another major step towards Premier Division survival when they face Bohemians for the second time in seven days.

Graham Coughlan’s side head back to Dublin on October 16th for a 7.45 pm kick-off, fresh from their remarkable 2-0 victory over the Gypsies in the FAI Cup semi-final.

Goals from Noah Mawene and Tommy Lonergan secured Waterford’s place in the FAI Cup final for the first time in 22 years, but attention now turns firmly towards the league and the battle to avoid the relegation play-off.

Last weekend’s cup encounter saw Bohemians dominate the opening 45 minutes, with Blues goalkeeper Stephen McMullan producing a string of outstanding saves to keep the sides level at the interval.

Waterford made the hosts pay after the restart, with Mawene breaking the deadlock in the 51st minute before Lonergan doubled the advantage just seven minutes later.

The result was another significant achievement under Coughlan, who inherited a Waterford side sitting ten points adrift at the bottom of the Premier Division table.

However, despite the excitement surrounding the club’s upcoming trip to the Aviva Stadium, the Waterford manager has made it clear that securing top-flight football for next season remains his immediate priority.

With just four league fixtures remaining following their cup semi-final success, every point is crucial as the Blues look to preserve their Premier Division status.

Friday night’s encounter also offers Bohemians an immediate opportunity to respond to their cup disappointment, while Waterford will be hoping to reproduce the defensive resilience and clinical finishing that proved decisive last weekend.

The Blues will once again look towards the experience of players such as Kevin Long and Padraig Amond, alongside the attacking threat of Lonergan, as they attempt to secure another important result in Dublin.

Kick-off – 7:45 pm SSE Airtricity Premier League

Venue: Dalymount Park

Waterford FC v Bohemians – Live on WLR

Waterford FC Coverage on WLR is thanks to John Murphy Carpets