FAI Cup 3rd Round Preview- Saturday’s Fixtures
Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
There are a further five games to be played in the third round tonight, Alan Smith previews the action…
Finn Harps v Galway United
The Tribesmen travel north to Ballybofey to face first division Finn Harps. Ian Foster’s side have just four points from their last six games, while Harps have a return of eight. Conor Gethins misses out again for Harps, while Ciaran Gallagher is on international duty. James Gallagher must also plan without Marc Mukendi and Ian Rossiter. “The attitude of the players has been excellent in recent weeks and last week’s result and performance gives us a lot of confidence. We will give Galway a decent game and we are not going to be sitting back inviting them to come at us,” said Gallagher before tonight’s game. Galway come into the game with no injury worries and will hope to emulate last seasons cup run where they reached as far as the semi-finals.
Kildare County v Athlone Town
Bottom of the LoI, Kildare County will be looking to cause an upset when they face Athlone Town. The Lilywhites have just a single point from 14 games, though Athlone aren’t exactly lighting up the First Division either as they currently lie in 8th. Anthony Hayes, Stephen Place, Kevin Dunne and Kevin Williamson are all missing for Athlone, while Kildare boss Joe Somerville has a host of new players at his service, including Philly Hughes and former Dundalk player Christy Doran. Kick-off at Station Road tonight is at 7.30pm.
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United
The second all Premier Division clash is at Tallaght as the Hoops face an improving Drogheda United. Michael O’Neill’s side have a very strong chance of qualifying for Europe in the league, while Drogs are continuously closing the gap on the teams above them despite and awful start. “It's a cup game, so anything can happen. We know what Drogheda are capable of after playing them twice already, home and away, with both games ending up draws,” said O’Neill who has full squad with the exception Sean Webb. Drogheda, meanwhile, will be without the services of Robbie Doyle, while goalkeeper Steve Williams also looks doubtful.
Tralee Dynamos v Salthill Devon
There will be an A Championship side in the 4th round as Tralee Dynamos face Salthill Devon. The Galway side are currently top of Group One, with just one loss all season, coming against Mayo side Castlebar Celtic. Tralee are currently in 3rd place in Group Two and have 4 wins from 7. It will be a tight encounter and Tralee are available at odds of 13/10, while Salthill are 17/10. The game will be refereed by Anthony Buttimer.
Waterford United v Carrigaline United
Stephen Henderson’s Blues should easily dispatch of MSL Division 2 side Carrigaline United at the RSC tonight. The 1/12 favourites should have more than enough though the past few games haven’t gone to plan as Waterford were defeated by Shelbourne and Wexford in the league. "The Cup is all about shocks and after the week we have just had it is important we get back to basics and ensure we are not involved in a shock result," said Henderson prior to tonight’s game. He has a full squad to choose from and they should push Cannice Kennedy’s aside and book their place in the 4th round draw.
Finn Harps v Galway United
The Tribesmen travel north to Ballybofey to face first division Finn Harps. Ian Foster’s side have just four points from their last six games, while Harps have a return of eight. Conor Gethins misses out again for Harps, while Ciaran Gallagher is on international duty. James Gallagher must also plan without Marc Mukendi and Ian Rossiter. “The attitude of the players has been excellent in recent weeks and last week’s result and performance gives us a lot of confidence. We will give Galway a decent game and we are not going to be sitting back inviting them to come at us,” said Gallagher before tonight’s game. Galway come into the game with no injury worries and will hope to emulate last seasons cup run where they reached as far as the semi-finals.
Kildare County v Athlone Town
Bottom of the LoI, Kildare County will be looking to cause an upset when they face Athlone Town. The Lilywhites have just a single point from 14 games, though Athlone aren’t exactly lighting up the First Division either as they currently lie in 8th. Anthony Hayes, Stephen Place, Kevin Dunne and Kevin Williamson are all missing for Athlone, while Kildare boss Joe Somerville has a host of new players at his service, including Philly Hughes and former Dundalk player Christy Doran. Kick-off at Station Road tonight is at 7.30pm.
Shamrock Rovers v Drogheda United
The second all Premier Division clash is at Tallaght as the Hoops face an improving Drogheda United. Michael O’Neill’s side have a very strong chance of qualifying for Europe in the league, while Drogs are continuously closing the gap on the teams above them despite and awful start. “It's a cup game, so anything can happen. We know what Drogheda are capable of after playing them twice already, home and away, with both games ending up draws,” said O’Neill who has full squad with the exception Sean Webb. Drogheda, meanwhile, will be without the services of Robbie Doyle, while goalkeeper Steve Williams also looks doubtful.
Tralee Dynamos v Salthill Devon
There will be an A Championship side in the 4th round as Tralee Dynamos face Salthill Devon. The Galway side are currently top of Group One, with just one loss all season, coming against Mayo side Castlebar Celtic. Tralee are currently in 3rd place in Group Two and have 4 wins from 7. It will be a tight encounter and Tralee are available at odds of 13/10, while Salthill are 17/10. The game will be refereed by Anthony Buttimer.
Waterford United v Carrigaline United
Stephen Henderson’s Blues should easily dispatch of MSL Division 2 side Carrigaline United at the RSC tonight. The 1/12 favourites should have more than enough though the past few games haven’t gone to plan as Waterford were defeated by Shelbourne and Wexford in the league. "The Cup is all about shocks and after the week we have just had it is important we get back to basics and ensure we are not involved in a shock result," said Henderson prior to tonight’s game. He has a full squad to choose from and they should push Cannice Kennedy’s aside and book their place in the 4th round draw.
About Alan Smith
Alan Smith works as a sub-editor for the Guardian newspaper in London. Originally from Cork, he freelances for several other newspapers and websites. Follow him on twitter @alansmith90. View Full Profile