REPORT: Waterford 1-3 Dundalk

Dundalk booked their place in the semi-final of the Extra.ie FAI Cup after a 3-1 win over Waterford FC.

Daniel Kelly struck a first-half hat-trick which had Dundalk in control and despite Maxi Kouogun getting a goal back for the home side and a better second-half performance, the visitors eased to victory.

Dundalk’s early pressure paid dividends when they took the lead after nine minutes when Pat Hoban picked up possession down the right and fired the ball across goal for Kelly to open the scoring.

The lead was doubled on 23 minutes. Daniel Kelly broke the offside trap down the right from Hoban’s through ball and he fired into the back of the net.

Rory Feely almost got Waterford back into the game on the half-hour mark when he got on the end of Kevin Lynch’s cross but his header was narrowly wide.

But Dundalk made it 3-0 after 33 minutes. Patrick McEleney crossed for Kelly and he headed the ball into the far corner to seal 24 minute hat-trick.

Will Fitzgerald took advantage of a mistake at the back as Waterford looked to get back into it but McCarey was quick to save. O'Connor’s rebound went over.

Waterford had another great chance to get back into the game from the penalty spot. Michael O’Connor was fouled by Brian Gartland but Shane Duggan’s penalty kick was saved by McCarey.

Alan Reynolds’ side had a great chance three minutes into the second half. Poynton’s free kick found the head of Kenny Browne but McCarey saved again.

The Blues did find a way back into the game on 56 minutes when Poynton’s free kick wasn’t cleared fully and Maxi Kouogun headed into the top corner.

Striker O’Connor had a golden opportunity on 58 minutes - Poynton’s long ball set O’Connor away but he fired narrowly wide. McCarey saved from Poynton and JJ Lunney late in the game but it was Dundalk who advanced