Sligo Rovers joined Dundalk, Cobh and Derry in the hat for the draw for the semi-final of this year's EA Sports Cup with a deserved win over Waterford at the Showgrounds. David Cawley scored what was his second goal of the season shortly after the
Sligo Rovers joined Dundalk, Cobh and Derry in the hat for the draw for the semi-final of this year's EA Sports Cup with a deserved win over Waterford at the Showgrounds.
David Cawley scored what was his second goal of the season shortly after the hour mark as the Bit O'Red progressed through to the final four for the first time since 2012.
Waterford made a total of nine changes from their league win over Dundalk at the weekend and were first to carve out a chance in what was a busy first half. But Dean O'Halloran's weak effort easily held by Sligo goalkeeper Mitchell Beeney.
Rovers, who last tasted league cup success eight years ago, almost got their noses in front just short of the quarter hour. Kenny Browne injuring himself in the process as he got in front of Greg Moorhouse's blast at goal.
Patrick McClean nodding narrowly wide from Regan Donelon's resulting corner. Waterford net minder and man-of-the-match Matthew Connor was equal to Caolan McAleer's poke at goal after a neat one-two between the Strabane man and Lewis Morrsion.
While the stand-in keeper was alert to get a touch to Moorhouse's glancing header from McAleer's searching cross before denying the former Harps winger six minutes from the break.
Former Sligo winger Sander Puri struggled to clear Wixted's cross in added time at the end of the half. Donelon doing well to win the duel with the Estonian before firing over from close range.
Connor was back in the thick of the action ten minutes into the second half when he plucked Morrison's header from the sky from what was a profitable position for the young Scot. Faysel Kasmi flashing his effort across the Rovers goalmouth on the subsequent counter. The home side hit the lead on 63 as Connor's goal-line was finally breached. John Mahon guiding Donelon's corner towards the back post for Cawley to head home.
