When Waterford came back from two goals down on Saturday night, they became firm favourites to win this tie in front of their own fans at the RSC. But Longford Town had other ideas.

Quite simply, Longford were magnificent on the night. They scored a super goal in the first half when Shay Zellor found the net from a cross by Richie Parsons that was headed on by Stephen Kelly and they went on to look the more composed and skilful side.

Even when Waterford had the driving wind and rain at their backs in the second half, they still could not unhinge the dogged Longford defence. The home side went close on quite a few occasions but they needed someone to produce a flash of inspiration and it never came.

The nearest Waterford came to scoring was when Dominic Iorfa replaced Brendan Markey on the hour. A long kick-out from goalkeeper Michael Devine was headed on by Iorfa to Gannon but Stephen O'Brien parried his shot. The ball fell to Derek McGrath, but he blazed over the bar from 12 yards.

"We were not intimidated coming here and we were determined to win. Our away form is good this year and our blend of skill and steel is working for us," said a delighted Longford manager, Stephen Kenny.

Waterford United: Devine; O'Brien, Stirling, Reynolds, Whittle, Smith, Kirby, Gannon, Grant, Markey, McGrath. Sub: Iorfa for Markey (60 mins).

Longford Town: O'Brien; Kenny, Byrne, Creedon, Gavin, McNally, Kelly, P Perth, Zellor, Parsons, Coyle. Sub: V Perth for Creedon (50 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).