Amond and Couto edge Waterford to cup win over Athlone
Waterford FC's Padraig Amond heads the opening goal of the game against Athlone Town at the RSC. Photo: INPHO
Club Orange FAI Men’s Cup
WATERFORD FC 2
PADRAIG AMOND 16, BENNY COUTO 50
ATHLONE TOWN 1
CILLIAN TOLLETT 25
Waterford FC kept alive their hopes of ending a 46-year wait for Club Orange FAI Men’s Cup glory as goals from Padraig Amond and Benny Couto secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Athlone Town at the RSC.
The Premier Division outfit ultimately had enough quality to overcome their First Division visitors, but they were made to work all the way by a determined Athlone side that remained firmly in contention until the final whistle.
There was a degree of pre-match concern when the newly installed sprinkler system threatened to leave part of the surface waterlogged before kick-off, but once the game got under way, Waterford looked intent on avoiding any cup shock.
The hosts created the first meaningful opening after 15 minutes. Kevin Long produced an excellent clearance from deep inside his own half that released Jorgen Voilas down the right flank. The winger looked poised to create a clear shooting opportunity before James Crawford recovered well to make an important block.
From the resulting corner, Waterford broke the deadlock. Benny Couto continued his impressive recent run of form with another quality delivery into the penalty area. The full-back's inswinging cross found Padraig Amond eight yards from goal and the veteran striker guided a powerful header beyond Brendan Clarke to put the Blues in front after 16 minutes.
The goal appeared to settle Graham Coughlan's side and they looked capable of building on their advantage, but Athlone gradually worked their way back into the contest.
Jonathan Kehir tested Arlo Doherty on 24 minutes, forcing the Waterford goalkeeper into action, and the visitors were level within a minute.
The equaliser arrived amid considerable frustration from the home side. Mark Connolly's corner from the left caused problems in the Waterford penalty area, but John Mahon appeared to be impeded while attempting to clear the danger. Referee Alan Patchell allowed play to continue and when the ball dropped kindly for Cillian Tollett, the Athlone striker reacted quickest to fire a close-range effort into the roof of the net.
The visitors' leveller gave them renewed belief and ensured the sides went into the interval deadlocked at 1-1.
Waterford responded positively after the break and restored their lead five minutes into the second half.
A throw-in on the right created the opportunity. Under the new laws regarding delayed restarts, the hosts moved quickly with Ryan Houston feeding the ball to Couto. Having made his way across from left-back, the defender cut inside from the right and unleashed a superb left-footed strike that found the far corner of the net to make it 2-1.
Couto's influence continued to grow and he was heavily involved again on 65 minutes. Another dangerous delivery from the left picked out Amond's near-post run, but the striker's deft flicked header drifted narrowly wide of the far post.
Three minutes later, two Waterford substitutes combined to create another good opportunity. Tommy Lonergan showed excellent awareness to tee up Dean McMenamy on the edge of the box, but the midfielder's first-time effort took a deflection and flew inches over the crossbar.
Athlone remained dangerous despite trailing, with Aaron Connolly producing an impressive display in midfield. The visitors' playmaker unleashed a powerful effort from outside the area on 71 minutes that forced Doherty into a smart save low to his right.
Waterford then came close to extending their advantage. Conan Noonan did brilliantly to keep possession alive on the right before delivering an inviting cross into the area. Hayden Cann rose highest and powered a header goalward, only for Clarke to produce a magnificent save. McMenamy reacted fastest to the rebound but volleyed over from close range.
The home side continued to press and felt aggrieved when Clarke appeared to handle the ball outside his penalty area while stopping Amond from breaking clear. The incident went unnoticed by the officials, allowing Athlone to remain within touching distance.
Clarke again came to his side's rescue five minutes from time, producing an excellent stop to deny Noonan after another threatening Waterford attack.
There was still time for more drama. Lonergan split the Athlone defence with a superb pass that sent Voilas through on goal, but Clarke stood firm to make an important near-post save.
Athlone threw everything forward in stoppage time and almost snatched an equaliser. Sean Brennan struck a powerful effort deep into added time that looked destined for the top corner, but Doherty produced a brilliant save, clawing the ball over the crossbar to preserve Waterford's lead.
It proved to be the final chance of the tie as Waterford held firm to progress to the next round and keep their hopes of ending a long wait for FAI Cup success very much alive.
Doherty; Houston (McMenamy 62), Cann, Mahon, Long, Couto; Mawene (Heeney 62), McLaughlin (Lonergan 62), Noonan; Amond, Voilas.
: Clarke; D Connolly, Kehir, O'Connor, Crawford (Considine 73); Brennan, A Connolly, McManus, Lomboto; Tollett (Ferry 73), Grogan (Cleary 25).
Alan Patchell (Dublin).
1,511.
