Credit: Extratime Team (ETPhotos)
Shamrock Rovers -v- Sporting Fingal
- Jody Moylan
- Mon, Sep 14 2009
As the season pushes on into its final quarter with domestic honours up for grabs one could be fooled into thinking all involved are intent on making heavy work of what’s to be taken from the autumn harvest after all four ties in last weekend’s FAI Ford Cup ended in stalemate. None more surprising perhaps than Sporting Fingal’s spirited comeback against Shamrock Rovers at Morton Stadium on Saturday evening.
With Rovers leading two nil at the break, the Hoops could be accused of letting the foot off the gas with thoughts perhaps drifting towards the penultimate stages of a league dogfight with Bohemians.
That Fingal were able to take advantage of any chink of light visible is a testament to the character Liam Buckley has instilled in a side who themselves have their own aspirations for the future. A good run in the cup and an upset to the balance of power might be a good starting point.
Sporting have overcome Cork side Blarney United and Athlone Town to get to the quarter final stages, with a comprehensive 4-1 win against the latter. Add to this their highly impressive league form of six games unbeaten with five of those being victories. With a smattering of ex top-flight players in their ranks and an ambition of success based on grass roots development with realistic financial management this is a club going places, fast.
After the club formed as recently as 2007 manager Liam Buckley says his troops are enjoying the new adventure. “Playing at the new Tallaght Stadium will be a first for our players and they’re relishing the experience,” said Buckley.
“Saturday’s draw was probably a fair result in the end as Rovers bossed the first-half while we came into our own after the break. It’s all to play for and the prize at the end of the tie of reaching a semi- final is certain to inspire both sets of players into producing another spectacle like we witnessed at Morton.”
Shamrock Rovers have an equally impressive record and are unbeaten in all competitions since Waterford United knocked them out of the league cup in May. Michael O’Neill had mixed feelings after the drawn game on Saturday.
“As all four FAI Ford Cup quarter finals ended in draws, we’ve suffered no disadvantage by having to play an extra game. Everyone’s in the same position. But it was disappointing to lose a two-goal lead. We played some super football but we didn’t play enough of it, and we conceded two goals in a five-minute spell after the break.”
Team News
Shamrock Rovers: There are doubts about the availability of Darragh Maguire (calf) and Paddy Kavanagh (hip). Stephen Bradley returns from suspension, while Pat Sullivan remains cup-tied.
Sporting Fingal: There are no fresh injury concerns for Fingal. Lorcan Fitzgerald (knee) and Daniel Corcoran (groin) both missed Saturday night’s draw between the sides at Morton Stadium and the pair will undergo pre-match fitness tests.
Extratime.ie Prediction: Fingal will be inspired after the comeback on Saturday and will be treating the replay like the Cup final itself. While Rovers will know exactly what they’re facing now, will they have the same desire? The cup is about upsets. A big one here. 0-1
