Rockmount 1 Waterford United 2Waterford United overcame Munster Senior League side, Rockmount, in the quarter-final replay of the FAI Carlsberg Cup at Turner's Cross last night courtesy of an added time goal by substitute PJ Banville .
A Waterford goal within the first minute from Willie Bruton made for an exciting contest. Rockmount roared back in the second half during which the referee showed yellow cards to three players and sent off Waterford substitute Vinny Sullivan following Rockmount's equaliser.
The opening goal came when Daryl Murphy broke on the left wing and crossed for Bruton to power a header past goalkeeper Derek Slattery from six yards.
Rockmount had to commit players forward in an effort to get back into the game and they contested for possession in every area of the pitch. By smothering midfield with players they ensured that Waterford were never allowed to settle.
They posed a major threat from set-pieces and Waterford keeper Dan Connor was fortunate to deflect an excellent cross from Rory Beechinor to safety midway through the first half.
Rockmount's tigerish persistence ensured an uncomfortable second half for the Waterford defence and the pressure paid off in the 77th minute.
Goalkeeper Connor caught a right-wing cross from Pat Keane, but then dropped the ball as he was challenged by two Rockmount players. The loose ball was knocked into the empty net by Rockmount sweeper John Busteed.
Waterford's heated protests that the goal was allowed stand led to a prolonged confrontation with the referee and it continued until Mr Buttimer eventually showed a red card to Waterford substitute Vinny Sullivan.
But Rockmount's game effort counted for nothing as Waterford broke in the second minute of added time and full-back Kenny Coleman sent substitute Banville in for the winning goal.
ROCKMOUNT: Slattery; Buckley (O'Shea 67), O'Mahony, Busteed, O'Brien, Hoey; Hennessy, Hurley, Keane, O'Callaghan; Beechinor.
WATERFORD UNITED: Connor; Coleman, Whelehan, Breen, Frost; Quitongo (Sullivan 40), Reynolds, Mulcahy, Waters; Murphy, Bruton (Banville 75).
Referee: Mr. A. Buttimer (Cork).
