Buckley looking for a win in first FAI Cup tie
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Sporting Fingal make their debut in the FAI Cup this Friday night when they host Premier Division Cobh Ramblers at Morton Stadium. Manager Liam Buckley has made it clear they will be looking to win the match and progress to the next round.
Buckley's side had their five-match unbeaten run come to an end last Thursday against First Division leaders Dundalk at Oriel Park. They twice took the lead in that game and also had the advantage of an extra man for a period after Dundalk's Chris Bennion was shown a straight red card for bringing down Peter Hynes.
Reflecting on that defeat Liam Buckley had the following to say - “Our result against Dundalk, considering we took the lead twice, was disappointing but it’s gone now. We’re fully focused on the Cup tie.”
Buckley sees no reason why his side cant do the business against Cobh, especially as they will be playing at home -"We’ve got the home draw we wanted and our home record in excellent, as we’re unbeaten at Morton Stadium in the league so far, while Cobh have struggled a bit on their travels this season."
He continued - "Cobh’s home record has been fairly decent in the Premier Division whereas on their travels, apart from last week’s win in Galway, things have not gone as well. We always go out to win our home matches and this fixture will be no different."
Buckley was also quick to acknowledge the contribution of the team's fans so far this season - "Our fans have given us excellent support at Morton Stadium this season and they deserve something cheer about.”
Contrary to some media reports, midfielder Collie James is not suspended for this game. James was sent off last week in Dundalk, but his automatic one game ban doesn't kick in until Sporting's next league game on June 20th at home to Kildare County. The former Longford player faces a late fitness test on the day of the game after becoming ill earlier in the week.
Centre back Philip Byrne is back in contention for a return to the starting eleven after recovering from a recent groin strain. Byrne has experience of knocking out a Premier Division side from this competition - “In my first season with Kildare County in 2004, we were the First Division team going to play Bohemians from the top flight in Dalymount Park at this stage, the third round. We won that tie 1-0, which goes to show anything is possible once the belief is there.”
Stephen Caffrey's injury has cleared up and he too is hoping to be involved at some stage.
Winger Conan Byrne was a part of the UCD team that last year reached the semi finals of this competition, only to be knocked out by Alan Mathews Longford. Byrne is looking forward to the tie and feels it will be a good test for his new club - “These are the games every player wants to play in. All of the lads are looking to gain promotion to the top flight with Sporting Fingal and this tie against Cobh, from the Premier Division, will give us an indication of how close we are to that standard."
He added - “We have done well this season for a brand new club and are well in the mix for the title but it is early days yet. A Cup run would be a nice addition to the league campaign.”
Should the game end in a draw the replay is likely to be on Tuesday June 24th at St Colmans Park.
