Waterford United 0 - St Patrick's Athletic 1The Supersaints stretched their unbeaten league and cup run to nine games with a tremendous win in cold RSC in Waterford. They now go in to the draw for the semi-finals which take place the last week of November, after a drama-packed game. With plenty of chances for both sides, it was Jamie Harris, scoring his first goal for the first team at the club, who sealed the win for Pat Dolan's men after 59 minutes with an excellent burst of speed and superb finish that left Blues 'keeper Mounty stranded and sent the Pats fans in the crowd into ecstasy. Seamus Kelly ensured that extra time was not needed as he pulled off a series of fine saves as United piled on the pressure in the closing minutes. There was great news for Pats fans as Paul Osam made his first start for several months and showed that he had lost none of the old magic with a competent display in the centre of the park. His replacement after 70 minutes, Paul Byrne, was equally industrious on the right flank and with Dolan's decision to play Jamie Harris up front with support on either side from Alan McNevin and Ger McCarthy, paying off, it was a night to remember for Pats. Referee Aidan O'Regan was again the centre of controversy at the RSC when he sent the Supersaints manager Pat Dolan off to the amazement of neutrals in the ground. The incident arose after McCarthy had been unceremoniously pushed to the ground in the Blues half. Referee O'Regan gave a free-kick to the home side, Dolan reacted and was warned by the referee as to his future conduct. Then minutes later Dolan appeared to be shouting instructions to McCarthy when the referee took it that it was towards him the message was intended and promptly sent Dolan to the stand, much to the amazement of Waterford manager Paul Power who protested at the decision vigorously! At various other points in the game, O'Regan sent a home player off for a second bookable offence, a Blues player in rage, sent the ball crashing in to the roof of the away dug-out and the man in the middle appeared to be struck by a young supporter while leaving the field of the play at the final whistle! Saints fans no doubt enjoyed the journey home and the club have now joined Finn Harps and Limerick FC in the semi-finals. Bohemians and U.C.D. will contest the remaining place.
