FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Cork City

BOHEMIANS

The sold out signs for home supporters for Sunday’s semi-final clash with Cork City have been up since the start of the week showing the high level interest around Dalymount Park for this tie.

This game against City, which has a 5.45pm kick off, will be live on RTE TV and it is a chance for the Gypsies to make their first cup final in a decade. Not only are they carrying great form into the game – with nine wins in a row in all competitions – they also comprehensively beat Cork City at home 4-2 just a fortnight ago.

Keith Long’s men beat St. Patrick’s Athletic in Richmond Park earlier this week with a side that the manager picked with one eye on this weekend’s game. He gave full league debuts to three teenagers and two of them, 17-year-old Ali Reghba (twice) and Robbie McCourt, repaid his faith with goals on debut.

Long will likely be bringing more experienced players into his team against a City side that are looking to reach their fourth successive cup final (winning the last three in a row).

Bohs beat Derry City 3-1 in the quarter-final up in the Brandywell with a Dinny Corcoran scoring a second half brace adding to Dan Casey’s early goal – and the City defence could struggle against a Gypsy side that have scored ten goals in their last three matches.

For maybe the first time this season though, there is a certain expectation on this Bohs team. If they can thrive on it, Bohs can make it to their first Aviva Stadium cup final.

 
CORK CITY

There will not have been much talk around Turners Cross about winning three FAI Cups in a row just yet. If City are to become the first club to do that in over three decades, they will not only have to beat Bohs who are the in-form team of recent months, but will have to overcome Dundalk in the final who are the league’s in form team of recent years.

It was a chastening experience for City the last time they came to Dalymount Park – where they found themselves 4-1 down at half-time (going on to lose the game 4-2). They lost last time out as well which was in the following game going 1-0 down to champions elect Dundalk.

However they booked their place in the semi-final place with a 7-0 win away to Longford Town in the quarter finals.

Assistant manager John Cotter said at the club’s weekly press conference they are very focused on getting back to the Aviva for another final.

“The mood has been good, and we are looking forward to the game, and hoping to get another trip to the Aviva,” said Cotter.

“We won’t look past Sunday though, because Bohs deserve a lot of respect for what they have done over the last couple of months and the last couple of years. Keith Long has done an incredible job, so we are under no illusions that it will be a tough game.

“Bohs are flying at the moment, they are the form team in the league. We know we weren’t good enough up there a few weeks ago, no-one needs to tell us that; we know that ourselves and the players know that.

“We will go up Sunday and hope to win the match. It is a huge game, a great occasion and a chance to get to the Aviva again. We know that any players we have put out have done the job in the cup; up in Longford, we were outstanding.”

Referee: Rob Rogers

MATCH STATS

Cork City have progressed through their last 13 FAI Cup ties. Their last loss was in the 2015 final to Dundalk.

This season the Leesiders are seeking to become only the second club in League of Ireland history to win three FAI Cups in a row. Shamrock Rovers are the only club to manage this feat, doing so the last time between 1985 and 1987.

Bohemians are looking to make their 14^th FAI Cup Final – the club have won the cup on eight occasions.

BETTING

Bohemians 31/20; Draw 12/10; Cork City 31/20.

PREDICTION

Bohemians 2 – 1 Cork City

Bohemians

Injured: Derek Pender, Ryan Masterson, Cristian Magerusan, Ryan Swan

Doubtful: Darragh Leary.

Suspended: None

Cork City

Injured: Colm Horgan, Johnny Dunleavy and Shane Daly-Bütz

Doubtful: Alan Bennett, Garry Buckley and Karl Sheppard

Suspended: None