Bohemians -v- Sligo Rovers

• Simon O'Gorman
• Sun, Oct 16 2011




For the second year in a row Bohemians host Sligo Rovers in an FAI Cup semi-final at Dalymount Park as Paul Cook brings his side to the capital aiming to reach their third consecutive final. (Kick-off, 3pm)

 

Sligo’s recent Cup record is, frankly, remarkable with their FAI Cup final appearances of 2009 and 2010 being complimented by a League Cup final win in 2010 and two semi-final appearances in 2009 and 2011.

 

Significantly, the Bit o’ Red have added a genuine title challenge to this season’s curriculum. Shamrock Rover’s win over Derry City on Thursday night appears to have finally ended their hopes of landing this year’s league crown but they are still mathematically in the mix and there has been a consistency and strength to Sligo’s play this year that points to a continuing upward curve in their development.

 

Cook has no injuries or suspensions to contend with on Sunday and will be hoping that his squad can reproduce the kind of football that saw them lever Bohemians out of the cup 1-0 in last season’s semi-final.

 

Bohemians, meanwhile, have three key suspensions to deal with. Defender Liam Burns and strikers Christy Fagan and Anto Flood are all suspended while Mark Rossiter and playmaker Killian Brennan are both struggling with injury.

 

In contrast to Sligo, a much changed Bohemians squad have never been at the forefront of this year's league title chase but once again find themselves competing for a place in the FAI Cup final. Bohs last won the Cup in 2008 and were beaten in the quarter-finals (after a replay) by Sligo in 2009 before again falling to Sligo in last season’s semi- final.

 

Current form points to a win for Sligo, an outcome that appears to gain credence when Bohemians injuries and suspensions are taken into consideration, but there has been a solidity to many of the Gypsy’s performances this year that will ensure that the Westerners will be taking nothing for granted.


Bohemians
Injured: None.
Doubtful: Mark Rossiter, Killian Brennan.
Suspended: Liam Burns, Christy Fagan, Anto Flood.

 

Sligo Rovers
Injured: None.
Doubtful: None.
Suspended: None.

 

Referee: Damien Hancock.
Paddy Power Odds: Bohemians 5/2; Draw 9/4; Sligo 21/10.
Extratime prediction: A 2-0 win for Sligo.