Sligo Rovers -v- Shamrock Rovers

Be sure and enter Ford's "Greatest Ever FAI Cup Final campaign"

SLIGO ROVERS

Sligo Rovers will be aiming to reach the FAI Ford Cup Final for the fourth time in five years when they host Shamrock Rovers in the Semi-Finals on Sunday afternoon.

The Bit O’Red go into this game hoping that history in recent seasons repeats itself, having beaten the Hoops in their back to back success in the competition in 2010 and 2011.

Sligo must plan without the Ross Gaynor (knee), a suspended Gavin Peers and a cup-tied David McMillan.

Speaking to sligorovers.com ahead of the game, Ian Baraclough has encouraged his players to show their fighting spirit in a bid to land what may realistically be their last opportunity of winning any silverware this season.

"We are fully determined to get through Sunday's tie. The players did not need much lifting after Monday's game against Cork. Words were spoken afterwards on what hasn't happened in the league this year and where we feel we fell short. There is quite a few players in the dressing-room that have tasted a Cup final and there is a steely determination to reach one again. We have a great chance this Sunday. With a passionate home support and an application to go out and play to a level we know we can reach, it can be a great day for us. 

"This is a meeting of two talented squads. But worrying too much about what threat the opposition bring is not on our agenda. If we take care of our own game, if we have focus, if we prepare right, this is a tie we feel we can win. We would love to come away from this season with a trophy. I think we have fought hard in every competition and on Sunday we need to keep that fighting spirit in us to reach the final."

SHAMROCK ROVERS

Shamrock Rovers visit Sligo Rovers for their second meeting in the Semi-Final stage of a cup competition this season.

The last meeting between the sides came in EA Sports Cup when Shamrock Rovers recorded a 3-2 victory in Tallaght Stadium and later going on to beat Drogheda United in the Final.

The Hoops have no injury concerns ahead of their trip to The Showgrounds, with Pat Sullivan being their only absentee through injury.

Speaking to shamrockrovers.ie, Trevor Croly revealed his delight at being involved on one of the most anticipated dates on the League of Ireland calendar.

"I’m sure everyone at both clubs is really looking forward to Sunday’s game – from the players to the staff to the fans. It’s a big one, there’s no doubting that. We have prepared well this week, have everyone fit, and we’re feeling good ahead of the game. The league title race is very exciting this season and I think these semi-finals have everyone in the league excited too. It’s a great game to be involved in. "

Referee: Alan Kelly.

MATCH FACTS

Following the demise of both Sporting Fingal and Monaghan United, Shamrock Rovers are now the most recent and current League of Ireland side to have knocked Sligo Rovers out of the FAI Cup in a game that dates back to June 2008.

After adding a League winners and League Cup winners medals to his collection in the last 12 months, the only major competition Mark Quigley now has yet to win is the FAI Cup.

Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers both feature players that have a played for both sides during their careers. Mark Quigley, Jason McGuinness, Richard Brush, Derek Foran, Conor Powell and Gary McCabe all currently play for the Hoops while Sligo have Aaron Greene and Joseph Ndo.

BETTING

Sligo Rovers 7/5; Draw 11/5; Shamrock Rovers 15/8.

PREDICTION

Sligo Rovers 2-1 Shamrock Rovers.

Sligo Rovers

Injured: Ross Gaynor (knee).
Cup-Tied: David McMillan.
Suspended: Gavin Peers.

Shamrock Rovers

Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: Pat Sullivan.