Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup – Quarter-Final
UCD -v- Waterford FC
Friday, September 7th, 2018
Kick Off: 7.45pm
Referee: John McLaughlin
Waterford FC make the trip to Dublin again this weekend for an Irish Daily Mail FAI Cup quarter-final tie with First Division leaders UCD.
The Blues advanced to the quarter-final after a 1-0 win away to Drogheda United two weeks ago – Bastien Hery scoring the only goal. The previous round saw Alan Reynolds’ side beat Skerries Town 4-1 with Noel Hunt firing a hat-trick.
Last week’s trip to the capital ended in a 3-0 defeat in Richmond Park against St Patrick’s Athletic despite the Blues starting well and having a number of first-half chances; three second-half goals for the home side ended the contest.
First Division leaders UCD have seen off two non-league sides on their way to the quarter-final; CIE Ranch after coming from 2-0 down to win 6-2 after extratime in the previous round, while they saw off Pike Rovers 2-0 in First Round.
Waterford FC manager Alan Reynolds was disappointed not to take anything from last week’s match against St Pat’s and knows his side are in for an equally tough challenge this Friday.
“I thought we played quite well against St Pat’s in the first half, played some good football and created some good chances. I felt we needed to take one of them chances when we got them, but we didn’t and St Pat’s took their chances in the second half to win it.
“Second half we just didn’t get going really but we know we need to put in a good 90 minutes this Friday to stay in the Cup. UCD are a very strong side and they’ve shown that this season in a competitive First Division.
“They’re always well organised with Collie O’Neill in charge so we certainly won’t be underestimating the challenge ahead.”
TEAM NEWS: John Martin and Cory Galvin both returned to training following injury and are in contention to make the squad for Friday’s game. Derek Daly (groin) is also close to a return. Stanley Aborah returned to action last weekend and may feature but Courtney Duffus (illness) and Sander Puri (international duty) miss out.