Graham Coughlan expects Waterford and Sligo Rovers to cut loose in their FAI Cup reunion this Friday, with the Waterford manager stating there will be less pressure than in their recent league meeting two weeks ago. Speaking ahead of the tie, Coughlan said both teams can relax and play their games, a shift from the tension of their 0-0 draw in the Premier Division. irishexaminer.com first reported the story.
Waterford arrive at the RSC venue buoyed by strong form, having won three of their last five matches and sitting on a two-game winning run following a 0-2 victory over St Patrick's Athletic on 28 August 2026. The club currently stands ninth in the Premier Division based on the final 2025 table, with 39 points from 36 games, 27 points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers, and a goal difference of -19 from 41 scored and 60 conceded this season.
Their recent form shows a WDDLW pattern over the last six games, with the latest results reading WWDDW when ordered most recent first. This momentum contrasts with Sligo Rovers’ 3-0 loss to Bohemians in their prior outing, setting up a quarter-final clash where the winner faces either Galway United or Drogheda United in the next round.
Coughlan, who succeeded Jon Daly as Waterford manager in May, highlighted the opportunity for his side to enjoy the occasion, noting the reduced stakes compared to their league encounter. He emphasized that both teams can now express themselves without the burden of league implications.
The winner of this tie will advance to the FAI Cup semi-finals, a stage Waterford last reached in 2022. With Shamrock Rovers and Shelbourne set to meet in a rearranged Premier Division fixture at Tallaght Stadium, and Cork City leading the First Division by twenty points, the broader league landscape remains dynamic ahead of Waterford’s next fixture against Dundalk at home on 11 September 2026. Fans can review the upcoming schedule on our fixtures page, check squad details via squad, and view the latest team statistics at stats.
