Bohemians were eliminated from the FAI Cup after a 2-0 semi-final defeat to Waterford on Friday night. Goals from N. Mawene and T. Lonergan early in the second half secured Waterford's passage to the Aviva Stadium final, ending Bohs' hopes of a third final appearance since 2021.
The result halts a run of seven consecutive wins across all competitions for Alan Reynolds's side. Their recent form, however, has now seen them lose two matches in a row, including this cup exit. They now sit third in the Premier Division standings with 59 points from 33 matches, six points behind leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Team News and Tactics
Reynolds made several changes to his lineup, with Zach Myers replaced by Dean Rooney at half-time. Further substitutions followed as Bohemians chased the game, but they could not find a way past a resolute Waterford defence. The visitors' manager Graham Coughlan had praised his supporters before the match. "The fans have got right behind us since I’ve walked in through the front door, they’ve been immense & brilliant for us," Coughlan said. The full Bohemians squad will need to regroup quickly after this setback.
Discipline and Key Moments
The tie turned decisively in a seven-minute spell after the break. Mawene broke the deadlock in the 51st minute, and Lonergan doubled the advantage just seven minutes later. Bohemians' frustration grew as the half wore on, with yellow cards shown to J. Flores, D. Devoy, and substitute P. Madden. Waterford's H. Cann and C. Noonan were also booked in a competitive encounter.
This defeat reverses the outcome of the clubs' last FAI Cup semi-final meeting in 2021, when a late Georgie Kelly goal sent Bohemians through. The focus now shifts immediately to the league, with a quick rematch against the same opponents scheduled for this Friday at Dalymount Park. That next fixtures entry is a Premier Division match kicking off at 19:45. Waterford, currently eighth in the table, will provide another stern test as Bohemians look to bounce back from back-to-back losses. The team's overall stats from the season show a side capable of strong runs, but they must now respond to this cup disappointment.
The club has confirmed a media shutout, citing unfair fixture scheduling by the Football Association of Ireland. Bohemians believe the schedule, which sees Shamrock Rovers play 24 hours earlier before Monday's meeting, gives their title rivals an undue advantage. Manager Alan Reynolds's side, third with 59 points, must now regroup after a 2-1 loss to Rovers, where Ross Tierney scored their consolation. Winger Markuss Strods has returned to the squad after international duty with Latvia.
The club has now confirmed the media shutout, with Bohemians citing the FAI's scheduling as the reason. A club statement said, "The schedule gives Shamrock Rovers an unfair advantage." This follows a 2-1 loss to Rovers on Monday, where Ross Tierney scored a 71st-minute consolation. The side, third with 59 points, must now regroup for a quick rematch against Waterford this Friday.
