Breen on the spot as Blues banish Everton

It’s 32 years since their last cup win, but Waterford United overcame their first hurdle in this season’s competition yesterday thanks to a 37th minute David Breen penalty while sinking 10-man Everton’s hopes of extending their season beyond May.

Although Gary Dempsey had a 21st minute spot-kick superbly saved by Shane Sherlock, Breen made no mistake when referee Jim McKell awarded a second opportunity from 12 yards after Christy Byrnes tangled with Seamus Long.

The Munster Senior League side’s challenge became so much more difficult when the defender was then sent off for protesting the awarding of the kick.

This was Everton’s 44th game of a campaign which saw them reach the FAI Intermediate Cup semi-final, but there was no denying Waterford were the better side, retaining the ball in a much better fashion.

Everton did have one fantastic chance of levelling two minutes into the second period though, David Welch racing clear only for his off-balance strike to come back off the upright. But, with Dempsey and Paul Phelan forcing Sherlock into two very good saves, there was little doubt which team would progress into the draw for the last 16.

EVERTON: Sherlock; McGrath (O’Connell 36), C Byrnes, W Byrnes, Horan; Welch, K O’Sullivan, Daly (G O’Sullivan 67), Fitzpatrick, White; Long.

WATERFORD UNITED: Holden; White, Burns, Breen, Long; Dempsey; Phelan (Keane 74), Maguire, Higgins (Dunphy 87), Ryan; Keegan (Walsh 60).

Referee: Jim McKell (Tipperary).