A fortuitous 88th-minute equaliser from Jered Stirling, deflected off Longford's Paul Perth, saved Premier Division Waterford United from an embarrassing cup exit at First Division Longford Town on Saturday night to force a replay tomorrow.

Dominic Iorfa had punished a 67th-minute mistake by Paul McNally to get Waterford deservedly back into the match as they chased a 2-0 deficit. Longford had taken a third minute lead when Keith O' Connor brilliantly lobbed the Waterford goalkeeper Michael Devine from 30 yards. Shay Zellor added a second in the 21st minute.

LONGFORD TOWN: O'Brien; Kenny, Perth, McNally, Byrne; Gavin, Creedon, Kelly, Coyle; Zellor, O'Connor. Subs: Thompson for Zellor (72 mins), Flanagan for Kenny (78 mins), Parsons for O'Connor (83 mins).

WATERFORD UNITED: Devine; O'Brien, Whittle, Smith, Frost; Kirby, Reynolds, Griffin; Wood, Markey, Grant. Subs: D. McGrath for Griffin (halftime), Iorfa for Wood (56 mins).

Referee: J Stacey (Athlone).