WATERFORD United's famine at the Regional sports centre finally lifted last night when they stormed their way into the next round of the cup with a convincing win over Monaghan United.

The Blues had not won at home since October 25th but inspired by superb performances from man of the match Jason Bowman and two goal hero Darren Browne United broke their duck with a vengeance.

Bowman opened the scoring after 18 minutes when his 25 yard shot from the right which might have been meant as a cross, soared gloriously into the net.

Browne made it 2-0 on 32 minutes when he headed a Bowman corner into the net from close range.

The game exploded into controversy on the stroke of half time when Monaghan's Terry Murphy received his marching orders from referee Brian O'Regan from Cork following a second booking. Waterford's Alan Reynolds was also booked in the same incident.

Seven minutes into the second half Waterford went further ahead when a perfectly flighted cross from Bowman was touched on by Tommy Lynch and Browne stabbed the ball passed goalkeeper Robert O'Dowd.

The final goal came on 79 minutes when Bowman could have shot at goal himself but unselfishly crossed for Pat Sinnott who gave the brave O'Dowd no chance.

Monaghan had a number of opportunities throughout the game but on the night Waterford were much too strong and richly deserved their victory.

Blues manager, Tommy Lynch admitted that his side received a vital piece of luck with the first goal and that gave his men the confidence to change gear and dominate the play. Monaghan manager Tom O'Connor said he had no complaints.