FAI Cup Preview: UCD -v- Waterford

UCD

With the Students on the cusp of winning the First Division, they have the pleasant distraction of an Irish Daily Mail quarter-final on Friday when they welcome Waterford to UCD Bowl (kick off 7.45pm).

UCD have reached the quarter-final for the second time in three years but they haven’t made the semi-final stage in well over a decade.

They face a tough test in reaching the last four against a Blues side very much challenging for Europe at the top of the table.

It is the first time in the competition this year that the Students have faced league opposition having beaten CIE Ranch after coming from 2-0 down to win 6-2 after extratime in the previous round, while they saw off Pike Rovers 2-0 in First Round.

Collie O’Neill’s men have lost just once at home in the league this season – which was a heavy 5-1 loss to Longford Town back in June and come into Friday’s game on the back of an impressive 3-0 win away to Drogheda last week.

WATERFORD

The Blues travel to Belfield to take on First Division leaders UCD in the quarter final of the FAI Cup. Having beaten Drogheda 1-0 away from home in the last round – with Bastien Hery scoring the only goal of that game – Waterford will be looking to continue their winning ways in the cup this week.
 

In the previous round Alan Reynolds' side beat Skerries Town 4-1 with Noel Hunt scoring a hat-trick.

Last week was a disappointing trip to Dublin when the Blues were beaten 3-0 by St. Patrick’s Athletic, allowing Shamrock Rovers to jump above them in the table into third place.



"I thought we played quite well against St Pat's in the first half, played some good football and created some good chances,” said Reynolds reflecting on his team’s defeat in Richmond Park last week.

“I felt we needed to take one of them chances when we got them, but we didn't and St Pat's took their chances in the second half to win it.

"Second half we just didn't get going really but we know we need to put in a good 90 minutes this Friday to stay in the Cup. UCD are a very strong side and they've shown that this season in a competitive First Division.

"They're always well organised with Collie O'Neill in charge so we certainly won't be underestimating the challenge ahead."

Reynolds can call upon John Martin and Cory Galvin this week having both returned to training following injury but Derek Daly and Stanley Aborah are both doubts. 

Referee: John McLaughlin.

MATCH STATS

UCD have won the FAI Cup just once in their history. That was back in 1984 but Waterford have only lifted the trophy on one more occasion than the Students. The Blues secured the trophy in 1937 and also in 1980.



The Blues have only reached the semi-final of this competition once in the last 11 years.  

BETTING

UCD 10/3; Draw 12/5; Waterford 8/11.

PREDICTION

1-0 to the Students

UCD

Injured:None.
Doubtful: None.

Suspended:None.

Waterford

Injured:Courtney Duffus (illness) 
International duty:Sander Puri

Doubtful:Derek Daly (groin).

Suspended:None.

 

    About Macdara Ferris

    Macdara Ferris is a contributor since 2007 to Hoops Scene (Shamrock Rovers' match day programme) and is the co-author of two books on Shamrock Rovers - 'Tallaght Time: Shamrock Rovers 2009 to 2012' (with Karl … View Full Profile