EA Final - Waterford United -v- Bohemians

• Dean Hayes
• Sat, Sep 26 2009


The RSC is the venue on Saturday for the final of the EA Sports Cup between Waterford United and Bohemians (kick-off 5:30 pm).

The First Division side are still in the running for every competition they have entered so far this season and will be looking to pick up their second trophy of the season, having already secured the Munster Senior Cup. There is no doubt however that the Premier Division leaders will be the toughest test the Blues have faced thus far. This game will be only Waterford’s third league cup final in its 35 year history but they boast a perfect record of two wins from two in those previous games. The Suirsiders have already dispatched Bohs’ Dublin rivals and fellow title challengers Shamrock Rovers in this competition and manager Stephen Henderson insists his side will not fear another encounter with a Premier Division heavyweight.

"I think that the EA Sports cup final is more important to Bohs now after being knocked out of the FAI Cup, but we won't fear them one bit. We're well able to compete against the top sides in the Premier Division so there's no reason why that can't be the case this weekend."

"It's going to be a great day and a great occasion for everybody in Waterford, and like I said winning against St Pat's [in the FAI Cup] has given the players a taste for success now and they want to end the season with some medals in their back pockets."

"The League Cup final is the first chance they'll get to get a medal, but I can tell you now that these players want gold medals and not silver ones." "I think when cup opportunities like these come along you have to grasp them, and these players will grasp them, no doubt."

"We know how good Bohemians are, and they'll be a very hard side to beat, but I also have faith in my players and they won't for one minute fear the league champions."

"[since last December] we've managed to put a squad of players together that are prepared to play for this club and play for each other. They've been fantastic, and I think what people have seen over recent months is a team that produced something very special this year, however we're not finished yet."

Bohs will go into this game confident of securing their first silverware of the season but Pat Fenlon is more than aware of the threat carried by promotion hopefuls Waterford who have excelled in cup competitions this season. “I’ve seen them in the semi-final against UCD and in a few league games. We know it’s going to be a tough game. Waterford are a decent side. They are the only team that can still win a treble. That shows how good they are, so we’re expecting it to be tough.”

For Brian Murphy, the Bohs goalkeeper, this game holds a special significance. Murphy hails from the South-East county and is eager to play in his home city. “Waterford are flying in the First Division.

But I’m sure no matter what kind of team Pat picks, it will be strong, we’ll be going there to win it anyway. It’ll hopefully be the first trophy in the trophy room this year. It’s one I would love to play in, especially in Waterford,” Murphy said.

With speculation rife about whether or not Fenlon will field a full- strength side in a competition not widely seen as a priority for his side, the Bohs boss has hinted he may stick with many of the Under-20 players whom he has used in previous rounds of this competition.

Fenlon also feels that this Cup has been useful in aiding the progress of the youngsters. “The young lads have gained experience from playing in the earlier rounds,” he said.

Despite this speculation, Bohs captain Owen Heary is adamant that his team will be doing their best to bring the trophy back to Dublin.

“It’s a cup final which we want to win; it’s the first trophy of the season, so we’re all looking forward to it. It’s important for the players winning a trophy and being able to have a winner’s medal and say that I won that competition. It’s one I don’t have and it’s one I definitely want.”

“I’ve seen Waterford play once or twice this season,” said Heary. “They are a strong, physical team so we know it’s going to be a tough game.”

Waterford have no injury or suspension worries ahead of the final, aside from long-term absentees David Grincell and Paul McCarthy. Bohs meanwhile have a number of doubts surrounding key players. Mark Rossiter, Jason McGuinness and Jason Byrne are expected to miss the game through injury, while Paul Keegan and Glenn Cronin are carrying knocks and may not be fit. Paddy Madden is cup-tied; having played in the earlier rounds with Shelbourne, and Gary Deegan also misses the game through suspension.

Extratime.ie prediction: This is very difficult to call but Waterford’s cup form this season and home advantage coupled with the likelihood of a weakened Bohs team means I’m going to predict an ultra- tight 2-1 victory for the Blues.