FAI Cup SF Replay: Shelbourne -v- Derry City

SHELBOURNE

All eyes will be on Tolka Park on Wednesday evening as Shelbourne and Derry City compete for a place in the 2012 FAI Cup final.

The two teams met on Sunday afternoon at the Brandywell but they could not be separated and the game finished 1-1.

Shelbourne will undoubtedly be confident of securing their place at the Aviva Stadium against St. Patrick’s Athletic due to the home advantage, and were happy to leave Derry avoiding defeat.

Alan Mathews revealed how pleased he was with Sunday’s performance, and how he was looking forward to Wednesday night, as he attempts to guide his side into second successive finals.

“It was a difficult game for us on Sunday, to go up and play a game at lunch hour, something we’re not used to, but the guys adapted really well.

“They produced a really hard working performance and we’re looking forward to Wednesday night now.

“We prepared well for Sunday and will again for the replay. We’re ready to go and we’re ready to get a result.”

DERRY CITY

Derry City will be hoping to mark an otherwise underwhelming season by winning some silverware, and the Northern club will be looking at Wednesday night to keep that hope alive.

Manager Declan Devine will have been disappointed at his side’s failure to make their home advantage count on Sunday, but insists his side will be heading to the capital with bags of confidence.

“We’re travelling to have a go as we believe it’s a match we are capable of winning. However, we must be strong defensively at Tolka Park which I consider to be a proper stadium with a good atmosphere.

“During the second half on Sunday, when we managed to play a bit, we bossed the game and we’ll be looking to do just that and try and get an early foothold on the proceedings.

“I’d like to think we will give a good account of ourselves and try to control the match if we can.”

Referee: Anthony Buttimer

MATCH STATS

If Shelbourne manage to make it to the final, it will be their second in two seasons, after losing on penalties to Sligo Rovers in 2011.

Derry City last reached the final back in 2008, where they were beaten on penalties by fellow Dublin side Bohemians.

Derry City currently lie in 6^th place in the Airtricity League Premier Division, while Shelbourne sit two places lower in 8^th.

BETTING
Shelbourne 6/5; Draw 11/5; Derry City 2/1.

PREDICTION
Shelbourne 1-0 Derry City

Shelbourne Injury News: none

Shelbourne Suspension News: none

Derry City Injury News: Barry Molloy (doubt)

Derry City Suspension News: none