'We've shown the character and resilience once again' - Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan

Waterford FC manager Graham Coughlan was pleased after his side cruised into the FAI Men's Cup semi-finals with a commanding 3-0 win over Sligo Rovers in the quarter-final clash played at the RSC on Friday last, but he admitted the final scoreline didn't tell the full story of a contest that tested his team's character before they eventually took control.

The Blues achieved their objective of reaching the last four while also keeping a clean sheet, but Coughlan felt his side had been fortunate to go into the break with a one-goal advantage after a difficult opening 45 minutes.

"I'm delighted. A 3-0 win, a clean sheet and we're in the next round of the cup. That was our objective before kick-off," said Coughlan. "The lads have come through again and they've done brilliantly."

While Waterford ultimately won comfortably, Coughlan credited their opponents with causing plenty of problems in the first half.

"I thought they were excellent in the first half," he said. "They set up really well and caused us a few problems in midfield. We were a little bit sloppy at times and one square pass set their striker in on goal.

"Stevie kept us in the game. Moments like that can cost you, but luckily enough he made the save. We were fortunate to get in at half-time 1-0 up."

The Waterford boss was much happier with what he saw after the interval as his side imposed themselves on the game.

"I hate the phrase, but it was probably a game of two halves," he admitted. "We were very strong in the second half. We just weren't quite at it in the first half, but the lads took over after the break."

Coughlan reserved particular praise for the attitude shown in the dressing room at half-time, revealing the players themselves drove the response that followed.

"I keep saying it about this group, they've got character and resilience," he said. "To come in 1-0 up and still be disappointed with yourselves, arguing with each other and demanding more from each other, I think that's tremendous.

"They didn't need me to say anything. They were saying it themselves. They went out in the second half, fixed it and really responded to what we talked about. Fair play to them. They're in the next round and I'm delighted for them."

Among Waterford's standout performers was Conan Noonan, whose all-round contribution again caught the manager's eye despite the forward being unable to add his name to the scoresheet.

"I thought Conan was excellent again tonight," said Coughlan. "I just wish he could pick up a goal or two because that's what attacking players live on.

"He won't pat himself on the back tonight, but I think he should. The work he does off the ball is second to none. He's absolutely a Trojan for working.

"I've never come across a kid like him. He wants to play forward, wants to get shots away and create chances, but his work back towards his own goal is phenomenal. That sets a precedent for the rest of the lads.

"The harder it looks, the luckier he gets and he's doing all that dirty side of the game for us. Fair play to him."

Goalkeeper Stephen McMullan also earned glowing praise after producing the key save that prevented Waterford from falling behind during their first-half struggles.

"Steven was the main reason we came in with a clean sheet at half-time," Coughlan said. "He kept us in the game with that save. He came off his line, punched and cleared one or two dangerous situations as well."

Despite discussing individual displays, Coughlan stressed the result was founded on the collective effort of the group, while also welcoming the opportunity to hand valuable experience to some of the club's younger players.

"It was a team effort," he said. "I can't praise the team enough as a group.

"We managed to get a 16-year-old off the bench tonight and Goforth made his debut as well. Two debuts, a clean sheet, a 3-0 win and we're in the next round of the cup."

Yet even after a night that secured a place in the semi-finals, Coughlan's focus was already shifting towards the challenges ahead.

"You don't really get the opportunity as a manager to sit and enjoy victories," he said. "The enjoyment comes at the end of the season if you can bring success to a football club.

"We've got a long way to go. I don't want people getting carried away. We've a lot of work to do between now and the end of the season.

"The bread and butter is the league."

With a busy period approaching, including a double-header next weekend, Coughlan is already looking ahead to Friday's clash with Dundalk.

"Our attention turns to the next game straight away," he said. "Fresh legs will be needed and hopefully we can share the game time around the squad.

"All our attention in the morning is on Dundalk. We're looking forward to that one as well."