FAI Cup Previews Part II
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Bray Wanderers –v- Tralee Dynamos
Bray Wanderers welcome Tralee Dynamos to the Carlisle Grounds, with the Premier Division’s basement side needing a win to boost morale.
However, Eddie Gormley will have to plan without the services of Paul Byrne and Chris Shields. The Seagulls will also have to give Derek Foran and Jake Kelly late fitness tests.
Tralee, currently 3rd in Group 2 of the A Championship and one of only two non-league sides left in the cup, will travel to the East hopeful of a shock result. They’ve beaten Clonmel Town, St Mary’s (Cork) and Salthill Devon at home so far and they should push Wanderers all the way.
Their potent strike force of Eoin Cassidy and Peter McCarthy will cause problems for Gormley’s defence, while Wayne Guthrie in goal will have an important part to play if they’re to cause an upset and book their place in Round 5. Kick-off in Co. Wicklow is at 7.45pm.
Monaghan United –v- St. Patrick’s Athletic
Monaghan United entertain European heroes St Patrick’s Athletic (kick-off 8pm), hoping for a major scalp.
Pats may be feeling the strain after their jaunt on the continent, as they lost to Bohemians 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Monaghan will miss Sean Brennan, who is injured, but other than that the Century Homes Park outfit will have a full squad to choose from.
Jeff Kenna will only be missing the suspended Declan O’Brien and the Saints will hope to progress into the 5th round of a competition they’ve not won since 1961.
Kenna now looks at it as priority number one as gaining qualification to Europe through the league looks unlikely after a poor start to the campaign. He said: “Everybody at the club knows how long it’s been since we last won the competition. It’s always important but it’s now our priority because it gives us a way back into Europe next season if we win it.”
Bray Wanderers welcome Tralee Dynamos to the Carlisle Grounds, with the Premier Division’s basement side needing a win to boost morale.
However, Eddie Gormley will have to plan without the services of Paul Byrne and Chris Shields. The Seagulls will also have to give Derek Foran and Jake Kelly late fitness tests.
Tralee, currently 3rd in Group 2 of the A Championship and one of only two non-league sides left in the cup, will travel to the East hopeful of a shock result. They’ve beaten Clonmel Town, St Mary’s (Cork) and Salthill Devon at home so far and they should push Wanderers all the way.
Their potent strike force of Eoin Cassidy and Peter McCarthy will cause problems for Gormley’s defence, while Wayne Guthrie in goal will have an important part to play if they’re to cause an upset and book their place in Round 5. Kick-off in Co. Wicklow is at 7.45pm.
Monaghan United –v- St. Patrick’s Athletic
Monaghan United entertain European heroes St Patrick’s Athletic (kick-off 8pm), hoping for a major scalp.
Pats may be feeling the strain after their jaunt on the continent, as they lost to Bohemians 2-0 on Tuesday night.
Monaghan will miss Sean Brennan, who is injured, but other than that the Century Homes Park outfit will have a full squad to choose from.
Jeff Kenna will only be missing the suspended Declan O’Brien and the Saints will hope to progress into the 5th round of a competition they’ve not won since 1961.
Kenna now looks at it as priority number one as gaining qualification to Europe through the league looks unlikely after a poor start to the campaign. He said: “Everybody at the club knows how long it’s been since we last won the competition. It’s always important but it’s now our priority because it gives us a way back into Europe next season if we win it.”
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