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Sheriff YC -v- Shelbourne
- Sam Griffin
- Fri, Aug 26 2011
Despite this being a home tie for Sheriff, Shelbourne will be ‘hosting’ the Dublin club at Tolka Park on Friday night in the FAI Ford Cup 4th Round (kick-off 8.00).
Shels have been flying high in the Airtricity First Division all season, and currently occupying top spot, this tie acts as a nice diversion from league matters. The game also offers manager Alan Matthews an opportunity to shuffle his deck and test out the full strength in depth of his squad.
Two players likely to play some role in this fixture are new signings Philip Gorman and David da Silva, a 22 year old Brazilian striker who arrived from Maltese club Birkirkara. Da Silva made his debut in the Tolka club’s last league outing – a 3-1 win over Longford Town. Gorman has yet to appear for his new team.
However, Matthews will have to do without the services of influential midfielder David Cassidy and Ian Ryan who are both suspended for the cup clash.
Shelbourne make it through to this Last 16 clash having beaten Greystones 3-1 at the start of June.
Like Shels, Sheriff can go into this one full of confidence, but they also have that touch of the unkown about them which could serve them well. This is the Dublin club’s third outing in this year’s FAI Cup. They narrowly edged out College Corinthian on their first outing and having deservedly beating Salthill Devon 2-1 at the last time out, Sheriff can go into this one without any fear.
Forward John Rock was the hero for Sheriff on that last cup outing with two well taken goals and he is set to be the focal point of his side’s attack once again.
Sheriff have proved a difficult side to break down and have the capabilities to ask questions of what may prove to be an understrength Shelbourne side. However with his side going well in the league, Matthews could be forgiven for eyeing up a place in the Quarter Final. The hosts should have too much strength in depth on the night.
Sheriff YC
Injured: Unavailable.
Doubtful: Unavailable.
Suspended: Unavailable.
Shelbourne
Injured:None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: David Cassidy and Ian Ryan.
Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddy Power Odds: Shelbourne 1/5 Draw 5/1 Sheriff 11/1.
ExtraTime prediction:Shels to win 2-0.
About Sam Griffin
Sam joined Extratime for the 2011 season and is now the site's features editor. He is based in Dublin and covers all the clubs in the capital. He is also prone to the odd Drogheda …