FAI Cup Preview: Gorey Rangers -v- UCD
The UCD side ahead of their recent league game with Athlone Town Credit: Martin Doherty (ETPhotos)
Gorey Rangers
Wexford’s Gorey Rangers host UCD at Altura Credit Union Park on Sunday afternoon (kick-off is at 2.00pm).
Gorey Rangers defeated Maynooth Town 4-1 in the first round of the competition with goals from Luke Greene, Paul Brennan and a late double from substitute Caleb Byrne- Murphy sealing an impressive away victory for Willie Peare’s men.
The Slaneysiders reached the final of the FAI Junior Cup earlier this year, suffering a penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Donegal outfit Cockhill Celtic in April and, in a strange coincidence, current UCD boss William O’Connor is a former Cockhill Celtic defender.
Rangers attacker Ethan Vickers is a former captain of Wexford FC Under 19s while defender Conor Casserly picked up the Wexford Football League Premier Division Player of the Year award last month- the second year in a row a Gorey Ranger player has won the award with current Bray Wanderers player Paul Murphy winning in 2023.
UCD
First Division outfit UCD will be hoping that they can reach the third-round of the FAI Cup when they head to the Model County on Sunday afternoon.
Sitting third in the First Division, the Belfied outfit are well placed for the end of season Play Offs and include former Wexford Academy graduate Harry Curtis.
Speaking to extratime.com, UCD Head Coach William O’Connor referenced the challenge ahead of his side on Sunday.
“Obviously you’re expected to win, it’s a tough game away from home. I actually was at the FAI Junior (Cup) game that they were playing in against Cockhill earlier on in the year.
“We’ll get a good look at them this week but we know it’s going to be a tough game. We’ve got to look at ourselves in terms of our performance, our concentration, not being sloppy and giving them any chances. Hopefully creating the chances that will win us the game.”
Referee: Oliver Moran
PREDICTION
Gorey Rangers 1-3 UCD
Gorey Rangers
Injured: N/A.
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
UCD
Injured: Michael Alonge
Doubtful: N/A.
Suspended: None.
