Gough anticipates Cup upset
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After being in the game for about 12 years, Stephen Gough has decided to finally hang up his boots but before he does he would like a final swansong in the FAI Cup with Crumlin United.
The Leinster Senior League side face a very stiff test in their 3rd round game on Friday night; Premier Division side St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park. Gough believe his side are capable of causing an upset. ”I think we have a great chance against Pat’s because of the style the manager has us playing. Pat’s will allow us to play and give us more room on the ball. Breaking them down will be harder though. We’ve got to be brave,” he told extratime.ie.
During his League of Ireland career with Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town Gough never experienced a cup upset. So what makes him so sure his current team can really upset the odds on Friday night against highflying St. Pat’s? He replied, “We play by design. Pat’s by-pass their midfield and play a lot of long stuff. That’s picking them up results and it could pick them up one against us but if you play football in the right manner you always have a chance. That’s what we do.”
Although quietly confident, Gough is well aware of how challenging it will be for his side. Pat’s are in fine form at the moment and have gone nine consecutive games unbeaten. Crumlin have just finished an arduous season but they won’t be found wanting on Friday night. Gough said, “It has been a long, tough and tiring season for us. It was draining at times. Pat’s should be at the peak of their fitness. That should stand them in good stead and they are in good form at the moment. But one thing for sure is we are going to be competitive.”
Two seasons ago Crumlin surprised a few people when they knocked First Division side Shelbourne out of the cup, after a replay. The Dubliner admits the thing that makes the FAI Cup so special is the possibility of some giant-killing heroics. “It’s amazing. It will never lose its gloss and will always appeal to players and supporters. When you look through the years the top sides do reach the latter stages but there is always giant-killing in it. That’s why I think we have a chance against Pat’s. I actually think a few non-league teams have a chance this weekend,” he added.
Gough is looking forward to playing in Richmond on Friday night. It was his ‘home ground’ during some of his time with Shamrock Rovers. “I loved it there. It’s one of my favourite grounds. There is always a good atmosphere fair. The pitch is compact and tight. I had good times when we played there. I’m looking forward to playing there Friday night. It’s one last hurrah before the boots are hung up,” he said.
The Leinster Senior League side face a very stiff test in their 3rd round game on Friday night; Premier Division side St. Patrick’s Athletic at Richmond Park. Gough believe his side are capable of causing an upset. ”I think we have a great chance against Pat’s because of the style the manager has us playing. Pat’s will allow us to play and give us more room on the ball. Breaking them down will be harder though. We’ve got to be brave,” he told extratime.ie.
During his League of Ireland career with Bray Wanderers, Shamrock Rovers and Longford Town Gough never experienced a cup upset. So what makes him so sure his current team can really upset the odds on Friday night against highflying St. Pat’s? He replied, “We play by design. Pat’s by-pass their midfield and play a lot of long stuff. That’s picking them up results and it could pick them up one against us but if you play football in the right manner you always have a chance. That’s what we do.”
Although quietly confident, Gough is well aware of how challenging it will be for his side. Pat’s are in fine form at the moment and have gone nine consecutive games unbeaten. Crumlin have just finished an arduous season but they won’t be found wanting on Friday night. Gough said, “It has been a long, tough and tiring season for us. It was draining at times. Pat’s should be at the peak of their fitness. That should stand them in good stead and they are in good form at the moment. But one thing for sure is we are going to be competitive.”
Two seasons ago Crumlin surprised a few people when they knocked First Division side Shelbourne out of the cup, after a replay. The Dubliner admits the thing that makes the FAI Cup so special is the possibility of some giant-killing heroics. “It’s amazing. It will never lose its gloss and will always appeal to players and supporters. When you look through the years the top sides do reach the latter stages but there is always giant-killing in it. That’s why I think we have a chance against Pat’s. I actually think a few non-league teams have a chance this weekend,” he added.
Gough is looking forward to playing in Richmond on Friday night. It was his ‘home ground’ during some of his time with Shamrock Rovers. “I loved it there. It’s one of my favourite grounds. There is always a good atmosphere fair. The pitch is compact and tight. I had good times when we played there. I’m looking forward to playing there Friday night. It’s one last hurrah before the boots are hung up,” he said.
