Shamrock Rovers -v- St Patrick’s Athletic

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sun, Oct 17 2010


Shamrock Rovers meet St Patrick’s Athletic at Tallaght Stadium on Sunday afternoon to see who will join Sligo Rovers in the FAI Cup final at the Aviva Stadium next month. (Kick-off 3.15pm - Live on RTE 2)

Shamrock Rovers will have been pleased to hear St Pat’s manager, Pete Mahon’s thoughts on this game, when he stated that on occasions such as this “league form goes out the window”. With four defeats in their last five league outings Rovers are having the kind of run in that nightmares are made of and both they and their supporters will welcome a chance to put that aside for a day or two.

Long known as the ‘Cup specialists’, Rovers have won the FAI Cup a record 24 times though their last victory came as long ago as 1987. That’s 23 years without lifting the trophy and if they are going to break that barren spell they will have to do so without a number of key players.

Out through suspension are Craig Sives and Danny Murphy which presents Michael O’Neill with a huge headache in defence. Also missing, with long term injuries, are Pat Sullivan and Dan Murray while full back Pat Flynn is doubtful with an ankle injury.

O’Neill may also have to plan without striker Gary Twigg and while he has at least got other attacking options to call on, Twigg has been an essential ingredient in Rovers forward play all season, bagging 19 league goals and 5 more in the Cups.

Pete Mahon has his problems too with Garret O’Connor and reserve ‘keeper Chris Bennion cup tied. Also out are the injured Gareth Coughlan and the suspended Damien Lynch. On a positive note Shane Guthrie, who has been missing recently with a leg injury, is rated as more likely to play than not.

Like Rovers, Pats have suffered some indifferent league form of late winning only one of their last seven games, a 3-0 victory over doomed Drogheda. Since slipping out of contention for the league title Pats seem to have lost the iron will that had hitherto guided them to unexpected heights. All of which heightens the importance of Sunday’s Cup tie.

Expect both of these clubs to be fiercely competitive in light of recent events in the league. Rovers in particular will be seeking to bury the ghost of a campaign that threatens to end traumatically but, with a frankly devastating toll having been exacted on their defensive options, the Gods may favour Pats to make it to the first FAI Cup final to be played at the Aviva.

Shamrock Rovers
Injured: Pat Sullivan, Sean O’Connor, Dan Murray.
Doubtful: Pat Flynn, Gary Twigg.
Suspended: Danny Murphy, Craig Sives.

St Patrick’s Ath.
Injured: Gareth Coughlan.
Doubtful: Shane Guthrie.
Cup Tied: Garret O’Connor, Chris Bennion.
Suspended: Damien Lynch.

Referee: Tom Connolly.
Extratime prediction: A one goal victory for the visitors; 2-1 to Pats.