FAI Cup Preview: Longford Town -v- Cork City

LONGFORD TOWN

Longford Town will look to put their league troubles to the side as they welcome Cork City to City Calling Stadium on Saturday night (kick-off 7.30pm).

Last year's beaten semi-final finalists host last year's beaten finalists in a competition, as both sides were knocked out by double-winners Dundalk.

Longford have a very good tradition in the Cup and, given their league form, it is a game they and caretaker manager Gary Cronin are looking forward to.

Cronin's side were a little unlucky on Monday night against St. Patrick’s Athletic and he has injected a lot of pace in the forward positions to make them more threatening.

CORK CITY

Cork City take a break from league action on Saturday, as they look to return to winning ways in Longford.

Speaking ahead of the game, City boss John Caulfield said his side are working hard to turn around a recent dip in form: “It’s disappointing, but there is no magic wand.

“We do a lot of work in training, but sometimes people lose a bit of form or a bit of confidence and they don’t take their chances, but a goal will go in for us and we will be back on track. You can’t feel sorry for yourself, you just have to keep working.

“We went to the final last year and it was a great occasion to visit the Aviva. It does give you a break from the league and, while our form this season has been fantastic, we have gone through a week where we have not taken our chances.

“Now we go into the cup, a different type of game, against a team who are bottom of the table and have had a bad run of form.”

John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh, Alan Smith and Ian Turner are all confirmed absentees through injury, while Dave Mulcahy is cup-tied having played for Bohemians in the previous round.

There are doubts over Danny Morrissey, Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett and Greg Bolger and they'll be assessed closer to kick-off.

Referee: Neil Doyle
 

MATCH STATS

Longford Town have a fine cup pedigree winning the Cup on two occasions in 2003 and 2004. The last time they were in the final was the Cup defeat to this rounds opposition in 2007.

Cork City were FAI Cup finalists last year and have won the Cup twice. The last time they won was in 2007 beating Longford Town 1-0 at the RDS.

BETTING

Longford Town 7/1; Draw 7/2; Cork City 1/3.

PREDICTION

Longford Town 1 – 1 Cork City.

Longford Town

Injured: Unknown.

Doubtful: Unknown.

Suspended: None.

Cork City

Injured: John Dunleavy, John Kavanagh, Alan Smith, Ian Turner.

Doubtful: Danny Morrissey, Steven Beattie, Alan Bennett, Greg Bolger.

Suspended: None.

Cup Tied: Dave Mulcahy.