FAI Cup Preview: Bohemians -v- Rockmount
Bohemian FC players congratulate Jonathan Afolabi after he opened the scoring against Shelbourne in the 2023 FAI Cup Credit: Conor Ryan (ETPhotos)
Bohemians excellent run of form since early July will see them start as clear favourites when they entertain non-league side Rockmount in the second round of the FAI Cup in Dalymount Park on Friday night.
BOHEMIANS
Bohs last defeat was a 3-1 reverse away at Sligo Rovers at the end of June and since then they have been unbeaten in seven games (including a win in the Leinster Senior Cup), winning four and drawing twice in the league.
The Gypsies made it to the second round of the Cup by virtue of a first-round victory over Dublin rivals Shelbourne, a 32nd minute goal from in form striker Jonathon Afolabi the difference between the two sides.
Their 0-0 draw with St Patrick's Athletic last weekend leaves them in a healthy position in the league table, occupying fourth place but only five points adrift of leaders Shamrock Rovers.
Their league position and qualification for Europe is probably their priority but making it to the Aviva Stadium for the Cup Final in November would be a very welcome bonus for manager Declan Devine in his first season in charge.
Devine is taking nothing for granted as they prepare to face the Cork side, a point he reinforced when he spoke to the Bohemians media team this week.
He said: “I am expecting us to be right at it from the very start. It is a game that we have prepared for really intensely all week.
“We spoke after last week’s game against St Pat’s that it was our sole focus all week – analysing our opposition as we always do and making sure our mental preparation is at the highest level.
“I don’t expect anything less from this group of players. There is serious competition for players, and we have a strong squad.
“I expect the players who take to the pitch to give everything of themselves. Having seen Rockmount at close hand last week, I understand the reason why they have won two junior cups, and I understand why they are the best team in Munster.
“We have got to prepare in the very same way we do for every game, and we have got to make sure we play to our highest level. We will have a very strong starting XI and a very strong bench if we need to change things up.”
ROCKMOUNT
Munster Senior League side Rockmount made it into the second round of the Cup by virtue of a 2-1 away win against Gorey Rangers of the Wexford League.
The Cork side, who are based in the Whitechurch area north of Cork City were founded in 1924 and will celebrate their 100th year anniversary in 2024.
They are the current MSL League and FAI Intermediate Cup winners having won both titles back-to-back in 2021/22 and 2022/23, and while the 2023/24 league season has yet to start in the MSL, they will not be short of confidence when they run out onto Dalymount Park on Friday night.
They have a wealth of experience in their side and had six players on the Ireland Amateur International team which participated in the 2023 UEFA Regions Cup in Galicia, Spain in June of this year.
The club, which boasts Roy Keane as one of its former players, will look to those international players in particular to trouble Bohs on Friday night.
39-year-old goalkeeper Brendan O'Connell is vastly experienced at MSL level, while Adam Crowley will most likely be charged with marshalling Bohs striker Jonathon Afolabi at centre back.
Danny Ahearne will man one of the midfield berths while up-front Eoin Murphy and Nathan Broderick will be looking to get their names onto the scoresheet.
Their sixth Amateur international Luke Casey recently left the club in pursuit of regular LOI football and signed for Cobh Ramblers in the First Division.
Team manager Eddie Kenny spoke to Extra.ie in advance of the game and said 'We've been watching them and it's probably the toughest draw we could've got really.
‘’We play expansive, attacking football for an amateur team but we might have to change and tweak a few things and try to stay in the game.'’
'It's definitely easier for us to watch [Bohs] games with LOITV and all of that,' Kenny said. 'But the last time we played in the Tom Hand Cup final - unfortunately we lost to Newmarket Celtic - Declan Devine was at the game.’’
'In fairness, I think it was a mark of respect from them that they even had himself coming down, sometimes they might delegate that down to someone else.'
Referee: David Dunne
MATCH STATS
Bohemians are joint third in the roll of honour of FAI Cup winners, having won the competition on seven occasions from 15 appearances in the final. They share the honour with Shelbourne although the Tolka Park club have appeared in the final on 19 occasions.
Their last Cup Final win was 15 years ago in 2008 when they defeated Derry City by 4-2 on penalties after the sides finished level 2-2 after normal time and extra time.
Their goal scorers in that penalty shootout were Killian Brennan, Stephen O’Donnell (now manager of Dundalk), Garry Deegan (still playing with Drogheda) and former Lithuanian international Mindaugas Kalonas.
Rockmount’s best performance in the FAI Cup was back in 2004 where they reached the quarter final stage. They held Waterford United to a 2-2 away draw at the RSC but lost the replay by 2-1 in Cork.
They have been very successful at FAI Intermediate Cup level however, winning it on five occasions, most recently in the 2022/23 season. They defeated Donegal side Cockhill Celtic 4-3 on penalties after the sides finished 1-1 after normal time and extra time.
BETTING
Bohemians 1/16; Draw 17/2; Rockmount 18/1
PREDICTION
Bohemians 3-0 Rockmount
Bohemians
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Rockmount
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
