Graham Coughlan expects Waterford and Sligo to cut loose in Cup reunion
Waterford manager Graham Coughlan celebrates after the game against St Pat's. Pic: INPHO/Ryan Byrne
Manager of the moment Graham Coughlan expects his Waterford side and Sligo Rovers to feel more relaxed in Friday’s FAI Cup tie than their recent league stalemate.
Seven wins from their last 10 matches have propelled the Blues from the foot of the table and within 90 minutes of their first Cup semi-final place since facing Damien Duff’s Shelbourne in 2022.
Sligo followed up their scoreless draw against Waterford by losing 3-0 at Bohemians last Friday, deepening their relegation worries.
Experienced campaigner Coughlan feels respite from the league slog will lend itself to an entertaining clash at the RSC.
“There was pressure in that league meeting two weeks ago that I don’t expect in the air this time,” surmised the man who succeeded the sacked Jon Daly in May.
“Both teams can relax and play their games.” Coughlan says he and his Sligo counterparts Darren Purse and Warren Feeney used to ‘kick lumps out of each other’ during their playing days within the lower rungs of the English league system.
“I don’t see it being any different in this game,” joked former Sheffield Wednesday and Plymouth Argyle centre-back Coughlan.
“We want to keep our run going while Sligo are looking to halt their slide and build a bit of momentum.”
Meanwhile, 2024 Cup winners Drogheda United welcome John Caulfield’s Galway United to Co Louth.
“It’s a break from the league and there’s always excitement in the Cup,” said the Galway boss. “Drogheda are a big side, a threat from set-pieces but also have that bit of magic in open play from the likes of Brandon Kavanagh and Keegan Ancelin.
All but Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne from the Premier Division have reached the quarter-finals and the Dublin rivals meet in a rearranged top-flight fixture.
The Hoops can extend their lead at the top to eight points with seven matches left should they prevail against a Reds side without their captain. Centre-back Paddy Barrett has been frozen out by new manager John Russell and with his contract expiring at the end of next month could be moving on.
The club skipper fuelled that prospect on Friday by posting footage of his role in Dan Kelly’s goal away to Ajax last month, admitting it could be his last start for the Reds.
In the First Division, after coming within two minutes of sealing their top-flight return last week, Cork City hold their title destiny heading to Bray Wanderers.
Twenty points clear, they’ll wrap up the trophy with six games to spare with victory at the Carlisle Grounds or once UCD fail to beat Cobh in Cork.
Drogheda United v Galway United, Sullivan and Lambe Park; Waterford v Sligo Rovers, RSC.
Shamrock Rovers v Shelbourne, Tallaght Stadium (8pm).
Bray Wanderers v Cork City, Carlisle Grounds; Cobh Ramblers v UCD, St Colman’s Park; Finn Harps v Athlone Town, Finn Park; Treaty United v Wexford, Markets Field.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
