Galway United 1 Waterford United 0: UNCERTAINTY FILLED the Terryland Park air and though this contest only occasionally flickered with class it scarcely mattered to Galway United manager Jeff Kenna, who was aware the FAI Cup is all about survival.
Though disturbed by a troubled week in which a half dozen players were instructed to find a new club, Galway still managed to boss the opening stages.
John Russell was bright in the centre of the park as Jonathan Keane and Jay O'Shea both went close to nicking the lead goal.
It eventually arrived seconds before the break as O'Shea's smashing cross located Derek O'Brien at the back post and the pacy winger fired Galway into the lead.
As the contest evolved, Waterford examined Galway's resolve as Vinny Sullivan and Kevin Fitzpatrick were both thwarted by home custodian Gary Rogers and the home side closed the deal.
GALWAY UNITED: Rogers; Conneely, Fenn, Fitzgerald, Nootimer; O'Shea, J Keane, Russell, O'Brien; Leech, Faherty.
WATERFORD UNITED: Spicer; Fitzgerald, Breen, Hayes, Clarke; Fitzpatrick (Mulcahy, 76 mins), Waters (Grencell, 84 mins), Dunphy, Foley; Sullivan, Kiely (Bermingham, 69 mins).
Referee: M Gough
