St. Patrick’s Athletic eased their way into the FAI Cup Quarter Final with a comprehensive 3-0 victory against Waterford United at the RSC on Friday night.
It was former Waterford United striker Daryl Kavanagh that starred as the Saints made their way into the quarter finals.
The away side opened the scoring after 17 minutes and it was Kavanagh that came back to haunt his former club. Stephen Bradley’s corner met the head of Evan McMillan who’s header was parried by Kevin Burns but Kavanagh was on hand to head the ball into the back of the net from one yard out.
Kavanagh bagged his second goal of the game three minutes later. He raced onto Anto Murphy’s cross before beating Waterford defender Kenny Browne and shooting past Burns at the near post.
Waterford United midfielder Dwayne Wilson had the best chances to get the home side back into the game with two quick chances.
Firstly, Wilson headed over from five yards from Paul Murphy’s cross from the right. Wilson then got clear down the left before shooting wide of Gary Rogers’ goal with a low effort from the left wing a minute later.
St. Pat’s started the second half on the attack and were rewarded after just two minutes. The outstanding Daryl Kavanagh robbed Waterford defender Kenny Browne of possession before forcing the centre-half to handle under pressure.
Referee Anthony Buttimer pointed to the spot but only handed Browne a yellow card despite handling to prevent Kavanagh’s goalscoring chance. Stephen Bradley stepped up to fire high into the top corner of Burns’ goal from the spot.
Paul Murphy had Waterford’s only real second half chance with a 35-yard strike that had Rogers scrambling to make the save.
Derek Doyle, Stephen Bradley and Shane McFaul all had chances to add to the scoreline but the result was never in doubt and Pete Mahon’s side advanced to the next round as they continue their search for silverware. For the home side, it remains to be seen what will happen over the remaining weeks of the season with very little to play for but a respectable league position.
Waterford United: Burns, Carey, Browne, Murray, Nolan; Walsh (Maguire 57’), Dunphy, Breen, Wilson (Heaslip 82’); Keane (Kiely 68’), Murphy. Subs not used: Sean Barron, Michael Coady, Arminus Balevicius, Jack Doherty.
St. Patrick’s Athletic: Rogers; Pender, Bermingham, Kenna, McMillan; McFaul, Bradley (Shortall 82’), Mulcahy (Crowley 66’), Murphy, Doyle (Stewart 78’); Kavanagh. Subs not used: Chris Bennion, Danny North, David McMillan, Jake Carroll.
Referee: Anthony Buttimer. Man of the Match: Daryl Kavanagh. Attendance: 721.
