FAI Cup Second round/ Tolka Rovers 2 Waterford United 2:The romance of the cup was very much in evidence last night as Tolka Rovers almost brought off the first big shock of the second round at Frank Cooke Park.
Twice they came from behind to earn a replay next Tuesday against a Waterford side that struggled to merit their Premier reputation.
Whether Rovers can match this intensity again remains to be seen but they must take tremendous pride in their application. They attacked every ball, distributed intelligently and caused endless headaches for the visiting defence. Ray Whelehan was immense in midfield and, along with winger Ger McCarthy and Chris Barbour, orchestrated his side's best work.
With adrenaline flowing Rovers were confidently into their stride within minutes. Keith Maher and McCarthy traded a neat one-two with the latter forcing Dean Delaney to gather. Indeed, the goalkeeper was let down all too often by a back four that never got on terms with their cunning opponents.
Cruelly, though, Rovers suffered a setback midway through the half. Despite dominating and forcing Waterford deep, Vinny Sullivan fired home after Robbie Hedderman's cross was poorly dealt with in the box. Still, it was a blow they would bounce back from.
Confidence never waned and the manner in which Rovers pursued an
equaliser was admirable. Waterford were there for the taking
and the home side sensed it. Whelehan, though, was left
frustrated when steering a free header wide just before the break.
Waterford's shaky lead never looked secure and simple tasks
were poorly executed. Retaining possession in midfield was
alarmingly difficult to master and, consequently, they were overrun
for long spells. From one such incident Ray Kearns squandered
a chance from close range when he had a clear site of goal.
But Rovers were rewarded handsomely just after the hour mark when Whelehan unleashed an unstoppable shot from distance . Cue mass hysteria from players, management and supporters. But just as those celebrations were dying down, Dave Warren's 30 yard effort burst the net. Another blow of the cruelest kind for Rovers.
Yet again Rovers stood tall to provide a grandstand finish. With eight minutes remaining Kenny Browne and John Hayes combined to bundle Kearns's cross over their own line. Rovers deserved no less and the relief on Waterford faces at the full time whistle was unmistakable.
Tolka Rovers: Cranley; Muleady, P Quinn, Cummins, B Kelly (Garvan 69); McCarthy (G Quinn 69), Whelehan, Barbour, Kearns ; D Kelly (Doyle 80), Maher.
Waterford United: Delaney, Flynn, Hedderman, Browne, Hayes (Keely 84), Warren, Mulcahy, McCarthy, Sullivan, Harte (Kavanagh 55), Brosnan (Scully 72).
Referee:
T Connolly (Dublin)
