MATCH PREVIEW: Waterford FC -v- Shelbourne FC (16/10/2022)
Extra.ie FAI Cup Semi Final
Waterford FC -v- Shelbourne FC
Sunday, 16th October 2022
Kick-Off: 4:45pm
Referee: Rob Hennessy
Waterford FC will look to make a first FAI Cup Final since 2004 when Shelbourne visit the RSC this Sunday afternoon (KO 4.45pm).
The Blues will be hoping to take a third Premier Division scalp to seal a place in this year’s final, having already beaten St. Patrick’s Athletic and Dundalk on the way to Sunday’s semi-final.
Danny Searle’s side come into the game on the back of a comprehensive 3-0 win over Treaty United last weekend in the league, extending the side’s unbeaten run to five in all competitions. Goals from Junior Quitirna, Raul Uche and Phoenix Patterson saw the Blues move into second place in the league.
The Blues’ run to the semi finals has seen wins over St Patrick’s Athletic (2-3), Malahide United (0-6) and Dundalk (3-2).
Visitors Shelbourne will be looking for a first win since their quarter-final victory over Dublin rivals Bohemians in September. Damien Duff’s side come into Sunday’s semi-final after a narrow 3-2 loss in Tallaght Stadium against Premier Division leaders Shamrock Rovers, but sit 7th in the Premier Division table.
The sides last met back in 2020 when a goal from Ryan Brennan gave the Tolka Park side three points in the RSC. The side’s last FAI Cup meeting came in 2017 when ten-man Shelbourne won 3-0 in the early stages of the competition.
From The Dugout: Speaking ahead of Sunday’s match against Shelbourne, head coach Danny Searle said:
“Since the draw was made, the buzz around the city and county has been massive. We can see from ticket demand that the Cup has a special place at the club and we’re hoping we can make it to the final.
“We’re the underdogs but we’re raring to go. They’ll be favourites as the Premier Division team but we won’t fear any team; as we’ve shown in the run to this semi final.
“Shelbourne will offer us something different but it’s a challenge we’re up for. They’re seventh in the Premier Division in their first season back up. Damien [Duff] has them well organised and we can see the work ethic he’s brought to them. We won’t be taking them for granted.”
Team News: Brian Murphy and Eddie Nolan continue their recoveries following lengthy spells out with injury, while Wassim Aouachria is suspended.
