Waterford United 0 - 4 Mervue United

Mervue United advanced to the quarter-final of the FAI Ford Cup with a resounding 4-0 win against Waterford United in the RSC on Monday night.

In a game that saw Mervue keeper Conor Gleeson make several good saves in the first half, the away side pulled away in the second half to ease past a very poor home side.

A brace from Etanda Nkololo and goals from Pat Hoban and Jean Biansumba saw off promotion chasing Waterford United.

The Blues had the first chances of the game as Ben Ryan and Conor Coad forced Mervue keeper Conor Gleeson into two good saves. Gleeson was almost caught out by Coad as the midfielder chased down Gleeson’s clearance, but the ball rebounded across the goal and to safety.

The deadlock was broken with eleven minutes left in the first half. John Frost’s mistake on the right allowed Jean Biansumba to cross for Pat Hoban to bicycle kick into the top corner of Packie Holden’s net.

Gleeson was again called upon to keep out another Blues attack, as Conor Coad again saw his attempt saved.

Twelve minutes into the second half, Mervue United doubled their lead. Tom King was given time on the right and he crossed to the back post for Biansumba to head home from close range.

Substitute Etanda Nkololo struck a rasping effort off the post a minute after his introduction.

Fifteen minutes after being substituted, Waterford United defender Paul Carey saw red after complaining at a penalty not being given. He then proceeded to push fourth official Jim McKell before being red carded by referee Kevin O’Regan.

Nkololo then raced through after beating Craig Burns failed attempted offside trap before rounding keeper Packie Holden before firing past the retreating defender.

It got even better for Johnny Glynn’s side one minute later as they made it four. Nkololo again found himself clear and fired an unstoppable strike past Holden to complete a brilliant night for the Galway side.

Waterford United: Packie Holden; Paul Carey (Craig Burns 67), Dylan Mernagh, David Breen, John Frost; Peter Higgins, Gary Dempsey, Peter White (Seamus Long 59), Conor Coad, James Doherty; Ben Ryan (Willie John Kiely 59).
Subs not used: Robert Hughes, Aidan McGrath, David Cooley.
Bookings: Carey (5), Doherty (44),
Red Card: Carey (82).

Mervue United: Conor Gleeson; Michael Sweeney, Stephen Walsh, Andy Higgins, Mark Ludden; Jason Molloy (Damien O’Rourke 88), Noel Varley, Gary Kelly, Tom King( Brian Connolly 86), Pat Hoban, Jean Biansamba (Etanda Nkololo72)
Subs not used: Ger Hanley, Shane Keogh.
Bookings: None.

Referee: Kevin O’Regan.
Attendance: 349.
Ford FAI Cup Man of the Match: Jean Biansumba (Mervue United).