Waterford FC have seen off Treaty United by 4 goals to 1 in the first leg of their Division one semi-final playoff.
The Markets Field was the stage for the highly-anticipated encounter and Danny Searle's men showed their intent from the off.
It took five minutes for the imperious Phoenix Patterson to continue his recent goal-scoring exploits.
An exquisite pass from Yassine En-Neyah allowed Patterson to cut through and poke a smart finish low and hard past Jack Brady.
Phoenix Patterson’s opener after a brilliant through ball from Yassine En-Neyah 🔥
0-1 #TUFCvWFC https://t.co/pQMX4aiOsd
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 26, 2022
He doubled his tally just short of the half-hour mark, thanks to a fine assist from Junior Quitirna.
29’ GOALLLL BLUESSSS 0-2! Yep, Phoenix Patterson.
En-Neyah with the ball to Quitirna who plays Patterson in behind and he fires past Brady despite a retreating home defence.
0-2 #TUFCvWFC pic.twitter.com/jN3fj0sgrs
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 26, 2022
The Blues had the chance to wrap the tie up before half-time from the spot, but Quitirna couldn't find the net.
Enda Curran pulled one back for the home side from the penalty spot shortly after the hour mark, much against the run of play.
Junior would make up for his missed spot-kick in the 70' after some excellent work from Darragh Power presented him the opportunity from six yards out.
70’ GOALLLL BLUESSSS - Junior Quitirna - 1-3.
Darragh Power does brilliant to keep the ball in play on the endline and cross, Treaty can’t clear the danger and Quitirna steals possession to fire home from 6-yards.
1-3 #TUFCvWFC pic.twitter.com/mxCNPrfAl7
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 26, 2022
Treaty's Colin Conry was shown a second yellow in the 68' minute, rounding off a somewhat questionable night from the officials.
The remaining time was comfortable for Waterford, with Patterson close to a hat-trick and his side in control.
In the 94', Timi Sobowale saw his cross deflected into the back of the net by Sean Guerins to make it 4-1, adding to the home side's frustration.
A tremendous result for the visitors and one that gives them every opportunity of progressing to the final.
Danny Searle will not allow his side to look past the second leg in the RSC, but the home support will have plenty to sing about.
90+5’ Full time. 4-1.
Onto Saturday ⏳#TUFCvWFC pic.twitter.com/TXwX5VZRsy
— Waterford FC (@WaterfordFCie) October 26, 2022
The night's other tie saw Longford and Galway play out a 2-2 draw.
