Wayside Celtic vs Bohemians

• Finbarr O'Sullivan
• Sat, Sep 13 2008




The remaining non-league side Wayside Celtic take on runaway Premier Division leaders Bohemians in Sunday's FAI Cup Quarter Final, which will take place at Bray Wanderers' Carlisle Grounds.

In the build-up to the game, Wayside boss Peter Lennon was praising of the Bohs team: “Bohemians are an extremely well-balanced, physical and an excellent footballing side. They were exceptional in defeating The Saints last Monday. Bohs pass the ball around so well and the hunger the players show is magnificent.”

Speaking of his sides’ chances, he said: “I am relishing the opportunity to play against them. We will have to keep the ball as much as we can. I am not without some hope of getting a result but we will have to keep it at 0-0 as long as we can and maybe then it will be possible to get a result. I don’t want to concede sloppy goals. If Bohs outplay us to score I can live with that but we have to avoid inflicting wounds on ourselves. The fitness of our players is good despite the fact that we are only starting our campaign.”

Bohs go into this tie with only one absentee: July signing Anto Murphy is cup-tied after playing for Sligo Rovers earlier in the tournament. Bohs will welcome back four players to their squad. Ken Oman returns from an ankle ligament strain while Glenn Cronin is back after his knee ligament injury. Also returning to the squad are Gary Deegan, who was suspended, and Mindaugas Kalonas, who returns from his international exploits with Lithuania.

Looking forward to the game, Bohs manager Pat Fenlon spoke of the cup’s importance to Bohs: “The cup is a major priority for us. We simply want to be involved in the competition as long as we can. Last season, the club was beaten at the semi-final stage and I'd like to go at least one better this term. We want to improve our record.” He added: “It will be business as usual on Sunday. The squad is stronger with so many players returning from injury, suspension and international duty but I will be picking a starting eleven to win this game and other considerations are secondary at this stage.”

Kick-off is at 3.00. The match will be played at the Carlisle Grounds in Bray. The referee will be Ian Stokes.